The Canadian Lutheran March/April 2018

The

CANADIAN

LUTHERAN www.canadianlutheran.ca

Volume 33 Number 2

Given for you!

INSIDE • The true cross and the Truth • Shall we gather at the Gathering?

• Mission exec reflects on LCC missions • 12 Rules book review

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

Contents Features www.canadianlutheran.ca Volume 33 Number 2

March/April 2018

The true cross and the Truth 6 Shall we gather at the Gathering?

8 Back to the Catechism: Table of Duties 10 Indigenous people and the Christian Faith:

A new way forward 14 An oasis of peace for neighbours in need 34

Departments The true cross and the Truth Page 6

Re-forming our church

Seeking nominations for regional positions

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Table Guest

Choose life!

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In Review

12 Rules for Life

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Presidential Perspective

On the first day of the week

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News Section International News T h e C a n a d i a n L u t h e r a n is the national publication of Lutheran Church–Canada, published in Winnipeg six times per year: January/ February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/ October, November/December under the auspices of the Board of Directors (Committee for Communication and Technology).

ISSN #0383-4247 Member: Canadian Church Press Interim Editor: Ian Adnams Advertising: Iris Barta District News Layout: Marion Hollinger Subscriptions: $20/yr E-mail: bcs@lutheranchurch.ca

All material and advertising should be in the office of The Canadian Lutheran five weeks prior to publication date. Advertising rate card available upon request.

The Canadian Lutheran 3074 Portage Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y2 Telephone: 204-895-3433 FAX: 204-832-3018 E-mail: communications@lutheranchurch.ca Materials published in The Canadian Lutheran, with the exception of Letters to the Editor, news reports, and advertising, receive doctrinal review and approval before publication. Contents of supplements are the responsibility of the organization purchasing the space. ©2018 Lutheran Church–Canada. Reproduction of a single article or column for parish use does not require the permission of The Canadian Lutheran. Such reproductions, however, should credit The Canadian Lutheran as the source.

S c r i pt u r e t a ke n f ro m t h e H O LY B I B L E , N E W INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.

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Situation for converted asylum seekers intensifies • Mission society sets 2018 agenda

National News

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LCC Board of Directors begins transition work • Planned gifts benefit LCC constituents • Lutheran women to gather in Winnipeg

ABC District

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Foothills member aids in hurricane relief • Calgary hosts annual fall youth retreat • Reformation celebration in Abbotsford

Central District

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Lipton church celebrates 20 years • Interfaith discussion forum focuses on Reformation • Church bell returned to renovated tower

East District

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Choir from Concordia, Ann Arbor tours Ontario • Clifford celebrates 2017 anniversaries • Convention planning underway

Mission Update

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Seminar and retreat for Central American Deaconesses • Giving thanks in all circumstances

Education Report

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LCC Seminary Regents hold joint meeting • Reformation history series continues • The role of the hymnal in worship Classifieds

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

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Re-Forming Our Church

Seeking nominations for new regional positions WINNIPEG – Under Lutheran Church–Canada’s new structure the responsibility for nominations to national and regional positions, and the process by which people are elected falls to the newly-formed Commission on Nominations and Elections. The Synodical Convention elected seven persons to the commission in October 2017.

The commission relies on nominations from across the country

to fulfil its mandate. Since delegates to district conventions this Fall will elect people to serve in regional positions, every member congregation and multi-point parish is encouraged to participate in the nomination process.

Congregations and parishes received nomination forms and job descriptions in early March asking

them to bring forward names of people to fill the offices of Regional Pastor, Circuit Counsellor, and a layperson from each circuit to serve on the new Regional Mission and Ministry Councils. The completed “Nomination Ballot” is to be submitted (by mail or electronically) to the Secretary of the Commission on Nominations and Elections by May 15, 2018.

After the commission receives the ballots by the deadline, the members will begin contacting nominees and establishing election ballots for the District Conventions in October.

Members of the commission are Rev. Keith Hoveland; Milton Joneson; Rod Johnson; Rev. Michael Meleg; Rev. Robert Morley; Rev. Lorne Reddemann; and Sharon Schieman.

President Timothy Teuscher serves as an advisor.

District Conventions: • ABC October 19-21 Sherwood Park, Alta.

• Central October 1-3, Winnipeg, Man. • East October 14-17, London, Ont.

Looking for news

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LIVING CHRISTIAN VALUES

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

•

BUILDING A BETTER WORLD

Here are some tips for submitting news items to the district news sections of The Canadian Lutheran.

• Designate a reporter to write about your event • In your story include the five Ws: who, what, where, when and why.

Also how.

• Keep the story short (no more than 250 words) • Use quotes from those involved • Send your congregation or school stories and reports to your district editor • Story ideas for The Canadian Lutheran are always welcome

Table Guest

Choose life

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e live in a time when everything in Canada seems turned upside down. We have abortion on demand for just about any reason, and euthanasia – euphemistically called medical assistance in dying – for terminal illness, however defined.

People participating in these actions seem proud of what they do to Canada’s most vulnerable.

As Lutherans, and hopefully for all Christians, abortion on one end of life and physician assisted suicide on the other are abhorrent. The Bible, as our grounding in faith, along with the Small Catechism can help build our understanding of these issues.

Our Lutheran grounding in Scripture is the starting point of our faith. Scripture is a living document assuring us that its focus is life.

We are told “choose life” (Deut.

30:19) and to live abundantly.

God’s word assures us that “in the womb I knew you” (Jer. 1:5). God knows us in the most intimate way when we are at our most vulnerable.

The same God “binds up our wounds and heals us” (Psalm 147:3).

That healing is offered to all.

We are assured we will live with Him, and that “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Rev. 21:4).

These references show how God is with us throughout life with the assurance that not only will He heal the pains of this world, but He will care for us in ways we can never imagine.

S i n c e t h e S c r i p t u re i s o u r foundation, what do we learn about life issues from the Small Catechism?

One section to meditate upon is Dr. Luther’s explanation of the Fifth Commandment: “We should fear and love God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbour in his body but help and support him in every physical need.” Section 52 of The Explanation elaborates on this essential teaching: On abortion: “The living but unborn are persons in the sight of

by Adrian Rhodes

God from the time of Conception.”

A Scripture reference for this is Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.”

On euthanasia: “The severely handicapped, infirm, helpless and aged are persons in the sight of God with life given by Him and to be ended only by Him.” Proverbs 6:1617 says “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable

We must challenge our culture and world to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood.”

On suicide: “My own life is a gift from God to be ended only by Him.” Scripture says, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear.” (Luke 12:22). We are told to, “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute” (Prov. 31:8).

These assurances from God’s Word are particularly precious to me since I grew up without a father and have non-visible disabilities. It takes faith, patience, and perseverance to cope with the challenges, but I know God will heal me through Christ, so the “present sufferings of this world” aren’t worth recounting. We still must cope with challenges here and now—like medical discrimination in care, ageism, and able-ism—but as Christians we can stand against these negative attitudes and fulfil the Gospel by putting love into action.

Consider the precedent of God appointing a watchman in Ezekiel 33. The watchman protects his town, doing his duty to the people as a requirement of his appointment.

“But if the watchman sees the

sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, so that the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, that person is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand” (Ezekiel 33:2-4).

Consider this a sort of trumpet call.

We are to watch over each other, not as a requirement of law, but as our response to the Gospel. We do this by knowing the foundation of the Bible and building on that with the Small Catechism.

What can we do using our different talents? Pray for guidance; start or join a Life Group; write letters to our governments; write to newspapers; visit the sick; care for orphans thereby putting our faith into action—rooted in the Gospel, not the law.

Although Canadian law (or lack of law) says we can kill the unborn, newborn, the sick, dying, and elderly, our faith points us to the truth of God’s Law: these actions are wrong.

Yet we have very ordinary alternatives through simple, faith-filled actions.

In these uncertain social contexts, we have some certainties. First, that silence equals consent and inaction equals approval. Second, countless unborn children and approximately 2100 people (likely more) have been killed in a medical context in Canada. Third, each of those numbers represents a human being who has been killed.

We must challenge our culture and world, drawing comfort from putting our faith into action whatever those actions are. Lives created by God are at stake—yours, mine and those of other vulnerable Canadians. Now is the time to act. God has redeemed us and placed us in this world in difficult times. God has spoken; how can we not act?

Adrian Rhodes is a Board Member-at-Large for Lutherans for Life-Canada and works at the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition head office. He worships at Our Saviour Lutheran Church in London, Ontario.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

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he death of Jesus Persians, and Muslims lies at the heart fought for control of of our faith. In the Holy Land. In the 1 Corinthians, Paul year 1110, a tiny piece draws on an early creed of this cross was given to remind his hearers to the King of Norway, that “Christ died for but within a century, our sins according to the rest of it completely

by Stephen Chambers the Scriptures” and that disappeared after “He was buried” (1 Cor being captured by the 15:3-4). The Apostles’ Muslim general Saladin.

Creed echoes the same Meanwhile, the section core confession that taken to Constantinople Jesus “suffered under was further divided Po n t i u s P i l a t e, wa s into many small pieces crucified, died, and was following the city’s buried.” The Nicene capture by European Creed re-arranges the knights in 1204. same elements: Christ Apparently, knights “was crucified also for taking part in the us under Pontius Pilate; campaign were rewarded he suffered and was for their service by buried.” Clearly, Jesus’ being given little bits death on the cross is of the cross. When central to the whole they returned home, Church’s confession many donated these because it was there, as fragments to churches He suffered and died, and monasteries where that Jesus paid for the they became objects sins of the whole world. of devoted reverence.

No wonder Paul wrote In Luther’s day, his to the Corinthians, “I protector Frederick the decided to know nothing, Wise was famous for while I was among you, The finding of the true cross (detail). Agnolo Gaddi, 1380s (fresco, The Church having in his collection of Santa Croce, Florence). Public domain (via Wikipedia) except Jesus Christ and of more than 17,000 Him crucified.” Everything hung on that. holy relics no fewer than 35 fragments of the true cross!

No wonder, either, that Christians have always wanted For many reasons, few modern Protestants hold much to find physical evidence of Jesus’ crucifixion. According hope that any of these supposed relics of Jesus’ cross come to the 5th century historian Socrates Scholasticus, the from the real thing. Even if Helena managed to find the cross on which Jesus died was discovered around the year true cross, its subsequent wild ride—and ever-smaller 325 by Helena, the mother of the emperor Constantine. subdivision into hundreds of tiny bits—makes it most The story of how she found it is dubious, though it’s not unlikely that any of the actual wood that bore Jesus’ dying impossible that the local Christian community might have body has survived. Nor is this just a modern opinion. remembered the exact place of His crucifixion for almost Already in the mid-4th century, Cyril of Jerusalem noted 300 years. Nor is it impossible that Socrates might have that “the holy wood of the Cross … [is] now almost somehow learned about these events 200 years later. In filling the whole world, by means of those who in faith any case, the place where Helena is supposed to have take portions from it.” Looking back on the explosion of found the true cross became the site of the Church of the interest in the wood of the cross during the Middle Ages, Holy Sepulchre. Most of what came to be called “the true John Calvin wryly noted that “if all the pieces that could cross” remained in that church, encased in silver, though be found were collected together, they would make a big Helena also took a few fragments of the wood back to ship-load!”

Constantinople.

In archaeological terms it is exceedingly unlikely Notoriously, the cross’s fame multiplied as more and that anything at all from Jesus cross has survived. There more Christians sought to see, honour, and revere the is, however, one undisputed artifact from first-century actual implement on which they thought Jesus had died.

Palestine that helps us understand what happened to The section of the cross left in Jerusalem traded hands Jesus during His crucifixion. Without shedding direct numerous times from the 7th century onward as Christians, light on that specific crucifixion, the skeletal remains of

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The true cross and the Truth

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

a young man named Jehohanan help us in a general way could escape by God’s grace from the land of slavery and to picture what happened to Jesus as He died. death (Exod 12:46), Jesus’ legs too remained unbroken.

Jehohanan’s remains came to light 50 years ago when As Paul says, He is our Passover Lamb, indeed! (1 Cor 5:7) Israeli archaeologists were excavating a set of tombs in Another point of contact is the fact that Jehohanan’s north Jerusalem. Because the human remains in these arms may not have been nailed but tied to the crossbeam. tombs lay in smallish, rectangular stone boxes known as The situation is not clear since there are scratches on ossuaries, it was obvious they came from the first century the bones of his forearms. These, however, are common AD, since that is the only time in Jerusalem’s history such on ancient skeletal material and might not be related to boxes were used to re-bury people’s bones, a year or so the manner of Jehohanan’s death. Some ancient authors after their bodies were initially laid to rest in full-sized describe victims’ hands being nailed, others say they were tombs. Other archaeological clues narrowed down the tied, and still others mention both possibilities. In any time of Jehohanan’s death suggesting his burial in the case, the contrast with Jesus’ death is striking. A week late 20s (A.D.)—within a decade or so of Jesus. after His resurrection when Jesus told Thomas, “Put Like Jesus, Jehohanan had been crucified. The proof your finger here, and see my hands” (John 20:27), the is in his right heel-bone which is still spiked to a piece of clear implication is that the nail-holes were still visible. olive-wood by a large iron nail. That nail, 11.5 cm long, Even if it is hard to discern any theological significance bent as it passed through Jehohanan’s heel into something to those specific wounds, the fact that Jesus died a hard, perhaps a knot in the real, cruel, painful death is wood. That this inner end vitally important. For, as of the nail became bent like Isaiah prophesied, and Peter a fish-hook prevented those solemnly affirmed, “By His charged with disposing of his wounds we are healed” (Isa dead body from extracting 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24). the nail from his heel. The Finally, the fact that whole business—heel-bone, Jehohanan received an nail, and a bit of the wood— honourable burial—despite was placed together into his crucifixion—indirectly the ossuary in which his confirms the biblical remains were eventually accounts. Most of the people stored. the Romans crucified in Besides this heel-bone, Jehohanan’s heel-bone, nail, and fragments of wood (replica). Courtesy times of insurrection and Jehohanan’s remains shed of The Israel Museum, Jerusalem. Photographer: Ilan Schtulman war were denied a proper light on Jesus’ crucifixion burial. But things were in three other ways. Both his lower legs were broken different in peacetime. In the 20s and early 30s, when reinforcing what the Gospel of John tells us sometimes both Jehohanan and Jesus were crucified, the Romans happened (John 19:31-32). Ordinarily, speeding up a still respected and abided by the Jewish requirement that criminal’s death by breaking his legs so he suffocated all dead bodies must be buried. Not even what Paul calls more quickly was the last thing Romans wanted; the the “scandalous foolishness” of the cross (1 Cor 1:23) whole point of crucifixion was to impose a death as prevented Jesus’ loyal friends from laying his body in a painful as possible. But the Romans respected the firm proper tomb (John 19:38-42).

Jewish custom, based on Scripture (Deut 21:22-23), that In some ways, then, archaeology doesn’t have very bodies had to be buried by sundown on the eve of the much to tell us about Jesus’ death in our place on the Sabbath—Friday evening. The reason this was not done cross. There is zero chance anyone will ever find His in Jesus’ case is that He was already dead when the order body because of His resurrection and ascension (Luke to do this leg-breaking was given (John 19:33). The fact 24:1-10, 51; Acts 1:9). The true cross on which He died that Jehohahan’s legs were broken suggests that he was undoubtedly rotted away to nothing long ago. The best also crucified on a Friday—if these bones were broken archaeology can do is show us the grievous wounds before his death. Some forensic specialists think they suffered by one of Jesus’ contemporaries who suffered might have been broken posthumously. There is also a a strikingly similar death. Even there the parallel is small degree of doubt whether the leg-bones in question grossly imperfect, for in the death of Christ alone—which belong with Jehohanan’s obviously crucified heel-bone; is totally unique among the thousands of victims of it’s not impossible that they belong to one of the other crucifixion in the ancient world—we find our salvation. two people whose remains eventually shared the same As Peter again says with elegant simplicity, “Christ died ossuary. If, however, the majority view is correct, then the for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to fact that Jesus’ legs were not broken, while Jehohanan’s bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18). were, highlights the importance of the exception. Like the Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Chambers is Professor of Exegetical Theology and Academic Dean at Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton. lambs that were sacrificed on the first Passover, so Israel THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

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Shall we gather a

by James

C

hurch youth events are more than the stereotypical image (and for some of us, the memory) of awkward teenagers playing games or sitting in a circle of chairs haltingly singing along to a guitar player.

On a larger scale, youth events include special music, worship, Bible study, servant events and exploring our Lutheran heritage. At a time when the number of youth in many congregations is diminishing, some people question the need for special youth events or gatherings.

Begins at home The family setting is the primary location where children see, learn, and experience the day-to-day Christian life. St. Paul notes how Timothy’s family nurtured his faith: “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well” (2 Tim. 1:5).

He also encourages young Timothy saying, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” These words can also be seen as an instruction to the church about supporting and respecting its younger members, especially at a point in their lives when it is often a challenge finding their place in society and understanding themselves within the context of their Christian faith. It’s also an important time for youth to realize they are part of the “Holy Christian and apostolic Church” that extends far beyond their congregation or youth group.

It’s not easy being young As many LCC congregations have discovered, it’s not always possible to form a youth fellowship. But that shouldn’t’ stop young people from taking part in youth gatherings at the district or national level. Organizers of “Unmasked”—the 2018 Alberta-British Columbia District Youth Gathering — are trying to emphasize that point. They want to give all Lutheran youth from across their district (and the Central District too!) the opportunity to be together for one weekend every three years to hear and be strengthened by God’s Word. This year’s gathering takes place from July 5 to 8 at the University of Alberta Augustana Campus in Camrose.

The ABC District gathering’s organizing committee

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

believes it is vital to nourish the Christian beliefs in which young people were raised at a time in their lives when they face challenges from other ideas in society.

Committee chair Michelle Heumann emphasizes that a lot of that nourishing begins at the congregational level. She refers to research done by Dr. James Gimbel at Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton showing that the more adults in a congregation interact with the youth, the more likely those youth will keep attending church when they are older. LCC’s partner synod, the Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod (LCMS) has also researched attracting and keeping youth. A survey for the LCMS 2018 Youth Ministry Symposium shows that congregations that hired youth ministry staff have higher rates of youth retention than other congregations. So-called members of the Millennial demographic (those who became adults in the early 21st Century), make up 15% of LCMS congregations in a society where most young adults are not attending church.

Since 1995, Tony Marchand has been involved with LCC’s National Youth Gatherings. He chairs his second one in 2019 at Trinity Western University in Langley, B.C. “National Youth Gatherings have been so important to the strengthening of their faith lives,” he says about the

Bible study is an integral part of all national and regional youth events.

impact he’s seen on young people he’s taken to the events.

He notes that the National Youth Gathering he took youth to 23 years ago was an uplifting experience they haven’t forgotten. He adds that he knows of other youth who have decided to go into various roles in Lutheran

t the Gathering?

Morgan

ministry, either as pastors, deacons, teachers, or parish assistants because of positive experiences at National Youth Gatherings. Marchand says that the gatherings are the sort of thing one must attend to really appreciate what happens at them and their significance.

Gary Brucker’s history with National Youth Gatherings goes back to 1980 when, as a young teenager, he attended his first. It was a joint effort of the LCMS congregations in Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC). He’s attended most district and national youth events since then and has held many event leadership roles. “Youth gatherings, in my experience, help solidify faith and change lives,” he observes, adding that it’s a “powerful thing” to bring youth together in worship, fellowship, and learning. In his role as Director of Family Life for First Lutheran Church in Kelowna, B.C., Brucker has also taken youth from his congregation to LCMS youth gatherings in the U.S. He says the experience is often magnified in many ways because of their size. He says up to 25,000 people attend those gatherings and the greater numbers and financial resources that come with it increases what can be offered.

LCC youth gatherings are organized by volunteers and, until LCC’s next convention in 2021, are the largest ongoing national event the church holds. They are designed to be self-supporting.

hymnal, like most pastors and congregations. Pastor Saar believes it helps youth understand how congregational worship is done. He says he’s observed that the hymns generally leave an impression on the participants, noting that some youth have brought non-Lutheran friends to Higher Things events and they were the ones still singing the conference hymns in the car during the trip home.

Many youth plan to attend one of the Higher Things conferences in 2018. Proceeds from the Shrove Tuesday pancake supper at Trinity Lutheran Church in Gowanstown, Ont. supported sending youth from that congregation to a Higher Things conference in July in Illinois. Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Regina hosted a local Higher Things youth retreat in February and other regional retreats are in the works.

It’s a “powerful thing” to bring youth together in worship, fellowship, and learning.

Another approach Higher Things, a US-based Lutheran youth organization is also playing a role in forming young people in their Christian faith within a Lutheran context.

Its events take a more traditional focus by engaging young people with liturgy and hymns but also include Bible studies and fun activities. Pastor David Saar of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mount Forest, Ont. has taken youth from his parish and around the Hanover Circuit to Higher Things retreats. Worship at the events uses the

Lasting effects Some young adults want to carry forward the spirit of community and faith enrichment they discovered at youth gatherings or other events. At St. Luke Lutheran Church in Ottawa, three members of the congregation regularly make long trips to spend weekends at East District Lutheran Young Adults (EDLYA) events.

Kaylyn Pollex, who studies mathematics at the University of Ottawa, says she enjoys the social aspect and wants to meet new people who share her values. After attending a Christian high school in Ottawa, she wanted to continue having a place to find fellowship.

Nathan Hasselstrom, a graduate student of history at the University of Ottawa, grew up in LCC’s Central District and said EDLYA events are interesting to him because he gets to see the diversity of congregations and he appreciates the opportunity to interact with others who have similar approaches to the Christian faith.

A relative newcomer to Lutheranism, Patric Laub, an engineering student at Carleton University, previously worshipped in evangelical congregations. He says EDLYA events have exposed him to the spectrum of congregations continued on page 11 THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

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Back to the Catechism

Table of Household Responsibilities

by Martin Luther

C

ertain passages of Scripture for various holy orders and positions, admonishing them about their obligations and responsibilities.

To Bishops, Pastors, and Preachers Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, selfcontrolled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive. 1 Tim. 3:2–4 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 1 Tim. 3:6 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. Tit. 1:9 What the Hearers Owe Their Pastors The Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel. 1 Cor. 9:14 One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. Gal. 6:6–7

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Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in preaching and teaching. For the

over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. Heb. 13:17

Of Civil Government Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgement. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Rom. 13:1–4 Of Citizens

Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The labourer deserves his wages.” 1 Tim. 5:17–18 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labour among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 1 Thess.

5:12–13 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s. Matt. 22:21 It is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.

Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour.

Rom. 13:5–7

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

This is good and pleases God our Saviour. 1 Tim. 2:1–3 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.

Tit. 3:1 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 1 Pet. 2:13–14

To Husbands Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. 1 Pet. 3:7 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Col. 3:19 To Wives Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. Eph. 5:22 They were submissive to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master.

You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

1 Pet. 3:5–6 To Parents Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Eph. 6:4 To Children Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honour your father and your mother”— which is the first commandment with a promise—“that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Eph. 6:1–3

To Workers of All Kinds Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favour when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. Eph. 6:5–8 To Employers and Supervisors Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favouritism with Him. Eph. 6:9 To Youth Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. 1 Pet. 5:5–6 To Widows The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. 1 Tim. 5:5–6 To Everyone The commandments … are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” Rom. 13:9 I urge … that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone. 1 Tim. 2:1 Let each his lesson learn with care, And all the household well shall fare.

This translation is by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of England (2016). Distributed under Creative Commons Licence CC BY-SA 4.0 (Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International)

Gathering continued from page 9 and liturgical practices within the East District and Synod.

The East District takes in most of Ontario and all of Quebec and the Atlantic provinces. Yet, young adults from throughout the district make the effort to attend EDLYA events.

They have been known to travel from Ottawa, Montreal, and Sherbrooke to southwestern Ontario. People from Windsor travelled to an EDLYA weekend at St. Luke in Ottawa last year—a drive of almost 8 hours!

Proponents of youth gatherings don’t seem to express many negative things about them. Their only complaint is that attendance numbers are never what they wish for. The events however provide opportunities for youth to ask hard questions about faith and theology and discuss their questions confidentially if they want.

Michelle Heumann emphasizes that participants at the upcoming ABC youth gathering will have that opportunity. Pastor Saar also said Higher Things participants have asked him follow up questions too. There seems to be a general theme of youth gatherings cultivating discussion as a way of forming young people in their faith and giving them a sense of lifelong commitment to their Lord.

Stressing the importance of religious instruction for young people, Martin Luther wrote, “If an injury that really hurts is to be done [to] the devil, it must be inflicted through the young people who are reared in the knowledge of God, spread God’s Word and teach it to others.”

Our society increasingly marginalizes and even ridicules a biblical Christian worldview. In response, all believers need the gifts God provides in His Word and Sacraments, even more so our young people who face daily challenges to their faith.

James Morgan is a writer in Gatineau, Quebec where he is completing a PhD in History. A member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Gowanstown, Ontario, he worships with various LCC congregations in the National Capital Region.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

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Back to the Catechism

Table of Duties

T

he Christian life is a life lived in community. Each person has a number of “callings,” or “vocations,” in which they are placed, and which carry with them duties and obligations toward one another. We have these duties and obligations both in the Church and in society. As Luther moves forward in the Catechism, he outlines the shape of the Christian life in the c o n t ex t o f t h e s e vocations in what, in German, he refers to as the Haustafel, literally translated as “house table,” and commonly referred to in English as the “Table of Duties.”

Luther looks at the various relationships Christians have in their daily lives and notes significant Bible passages describing those mutual relationships and how they complement each other.

Contemporary understanding In our egalitarian society it is tempting to resent some of the instructions in this table which in certain estates carry with them ideas of subordination and even obedience.

Yet, if society and the Church are to be properly ordered under God, we should expect this, and even embrace it. It is interesting that the Book of Concord never instructs us on how to preserve and grasp our own rights, but rather speaks of our obligation to preserve the rights of others. Because we remain sinners even as we are the redeemed children of God, we need instruction and admonition.

Often, when Paul presents the Good News which is the Gospel

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by Edward G. Kettner of salvation, he follows it with a “therefore.” This “therefore” is not to be understood as a “but,” as in: “You are saved, but now you had better be doing these things to remain in God’s good graces.” Rather, Paul talks about the shape of the Christian life, what the life of a child of God looks like as Christians live out their vocations in Church and world. In Christ we have been raised from

death to life, and Paul then goes on to describe what that life looks like.

First things first Luther begins with the Church, noting what is expected of those holding the Office of Public Ministry, and then noting what the hearers owe their pastors. Pastors, as called servants of Christ, are expected to be faithful to God’s Word in their preaching and teaching for only such preaching and teaching will bring people out of spiritual death to life and maintain them in the life to which God has raised them. The called ministers and teachers are to demonstrate a proper character and demeanour that they might be

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

examples to the flock. The people of God in turn are to support their pastors and teachers. Faithful pastors and teachers are to receive their livelihood through their ministry and are to be respected by those they teach and care for. When both pastors and people faithfully carry out their duties, both teachers and hearers will live and serve joyfully.

Civic authorities From there the table goes on to note the nature of civil government and of citizenship.

Government receives its authority from God, and those who resist the authorities resist what God has appointed.

C i t i z e n s a re t o b e subject to the governing authorities. Even words like “submissive” and “obedient” are used.

We should note that in our age many nations, including Canada, give citizens the right to elect their own leaders and to petition and protest if they have grievances.

For this we are thankful. Yet we must also note that even when we disagree with certain actions of the government, we remain subject to it for the sake of peace and order.

Family As Luther talks about the family, he looks at the mutual relationships first between husbands and wives and then between parents and children. The relationship between husband and wife is complementary, not egalitarian. The Scriptures noted here make it clear that husbands and wives are joint heirs of grace, and that each is to treat the other with respect. Even as wives are instructed to be submissive to their husbands,

this is to be seen as something that happens willingly not as a result of force, recognizing that husbands are to love their wives and act in ways that have their best interests at heart.

Children are rightly called upon to obey their parents whom God has placed over them. Yet parents also have the duty to love their children and not to provoke them to anger. Children are to be disciplined when necessary, but they are to be encouraged rather than stifled to the point of discouragement.

At work He then looks at the duties of workers and those of employers and supervisors. The Ephesians’ passages cited here generally speak of a masterservant relationship. While employer and employee do not have precisely the same type of relationship, there remain principles that apply to that relationship as well. Workers are to remain faithful in their vocations, and serve with good will, not trying to subvert the authority of their supervisors. Employers are to treat their employees with good will as well, not in an abusive or threatening manner. These duties should particularly be carried out

by Christians to serve as an example to the world around them as to how respectful relationships create a beneficial work environment.

Specifics To youth he notes the words in 1 Peter 5:5-6 that they should behave and act with respect and humility in whatever tasks they undertake or are given to them.

To widows he points to St. Paul’s words that encourage them to devote their lives to prayer and not to be self-indulgent. This does not mean one must live one’s life in seclusion, but rather emphasizes that out of the misfortune of widowhood may come opportunities for service to the Kingdom.

Et al Finally, to everyone he points to Romans and 1 Timothy, directing all Christians to “love your neighbour as yourself,” and to bring prayers and supplications before God for all people. This we do in our general prayers during public worship and is something we are called to do in our private prayers as well.

In conclusion At the end, Luther concludes with the adage, “Let each his lesson learn with care, And all the household well shall fare.”

That final statement sums things up nicely. These rules and instructions are given not merely to command obedience for the sake of obedience, but because they show us how life ordered in such a manner serves peace and unity. It reminds us that God desires us to live in peace with one another not clamouring for “personal autonomy” or for the assertion of our own rights over other people, but that we all live serve others and to help them live happy and productive lives.

Rev. Dr. Edward G. Kettner is Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology at Concordia Lutheran Seminary (Edmonton).

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

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Indigenous people and the Christian faith: A new way forward

by Bill Anderson

S

o, I’m a white dude. Ironic, I know, given the title of the article. I really struggled with the appropriateness of me writing this piece. One indigenous friend said it was “okay” to do so but he did chuckle at the irony of it all. So, you’re still stuck with the white dude (again!).

Two of my favourite places in the world are Tofino, B. C. and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump in southern Alberta. I have visited them many times. Both sites have been the home to indigenous people for millennia—longer than ancient Egypt. I remember a wonderful experience with a young indigenous guy on the wharf of Tofino. He was talking with some tourists and was saying how much joy he had being an indigenous person—relishing the most beautiful creation around him as his home!

Dances with Wolves in 1990 also made a huge impact on me. It made me think how beautiful indigenous culture is and how we Europeans messed it up. Later in the ‘90s, while doing my doctorate at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, I remember vividly standing at the cloister looking at a poster for a North American indigenous art exhibit being held there. I remember feeling so guilty, and so a part of the problem that I thought I should just stay in my ancestral homeland of Scotland. But without sounding like a psychological rationalization, my blond hair and blue eyes betray the fact that I’m really the product of 9th century Viking raids into Scotland. Genesis 10, the so-called “Table of Nations” which provides the background for the nation of Israel, also makes the point that none of us are of pure genetic or ethnic uniformity. We are all migrants of mixed genetics and ethnicity—and that’s a good thing! This includes the fact that American (North, Central and South) indigenous people are from other geographical and ethnic backgrounds themselves. However, this in no way mitigates the inherent right of first peoples to this land. I also realized there’s no “going back” and that we are all stuck with a complex situation. This is a point my indigenous student will make later when I discuss his MA thesis.

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

Colonialism is a complex matrix of inter-related ideas such as philosophy, politics and economics frequently embedded in law e.g. the Indian Act. At the core of colonialism, in my view, is pride. It is a veritable “Tower of Babel”. It’s the arrogance and pretentiousness that one culture is superior to another—and therefore presumptively asserts its dominance over other people groups—while stealing their land and resources. This was often possible based on some form of technological advantage e.g. gun power. One should note, however, that Charles Mann in his book 1491: New Revelations of the Americas before Columbus, has in recent years challenged this notion of technological superiority (firearm targeting was not very accurate during this period!) Mann further argues that European colonization had more to do with the “perfect storm” of circumstances—including plague and famine—which allowed Europeans to prevail over and against overwhelming population odds. In other words: There was no “superiority” involved but simply opportunity. Colonialism goes handin-hand with imperialism (sometimes these terms are used inter-changeably). My definition of imperialism is both simple yet essential: “Imperialism is killing other people and stealing their stuff.”

While I understand that some scholars like the African biblical scholar Musa Dube at Botswana University just view the Bible as colonizing, I view the problem as arising from the hermeneutics (interpretive strategies) applied to biblical texts e.g. colonial readings of biblical texts. This perspective can only entangle us in the past and provide no real way forward.

Post-colonialism is a theoretical perspective which “unmasks” and seeks to dismantle colonial power structures. I was first exposed to post-colonial readings of biblical texts at Glasgow University. Specifically, I was exposed to South African biblical scholars who employed post-colonial readings of Chronicles-Ezra-Nehemiah to overthrow and deal with apartheid. In 1994, I was the secretary for the conference on “The Bible in Africa”

(another irony). One black South African scholar made a presentation on a “Post-colonial Reading of Chronicles.”

In that presentation, he demonstrated how a postcolonial reading of Chronicles may facilitate “truth and reconciliation” in South Africa. Twenty years later, I suggested to my Master of Arts student, Charles Muskego, that he could do a similar thing by using post-colonial readings in relation to indigenous issues here in Canada.

Charles is Dene Suline from Cold Lake, Alberta.

He wrote a brilliant MA thesis with me last year entitled Asserting Post-colonial Identities: Cross-Textual Readings of Ezra-Nehemiah and Indigeneity in Canada.

There is no way Charles could have written this thesis without his training as a biblical scholar and his three years of experience with Indigenous Relations in the Government of Alberta. The thesis is a masterpiece, in my view, of how biblical studies and theology can have actual, practical effects in the so-called “real world.”

Like Charles in his MA thesis, I am not going to recount all the horrific things that have happened to indigenous people—because all of that has been well-documented—and because we want to move forward.

However, moving forward still requires a realistic acknowledgement of the past in order to deal with it and its fallout. Colonialism is what caused the mass suffering of indigenous people here in Canada, the Americas, and around the world.

I find two amazing things about Charles. One, that he isn’t angrier with the past than he is. I think this is because of his Christian faith, realism, and determination to build a better future for his people here in Canada. But in parts of his thesis one can most certainly detect his annoyance at the Indian Act and Bill C-31. Secondly, I find it amazing that Charles did not abandon his Christian faith. Indeed, I’ve had the privilege to marry him and his wife and baptize their children. Moreover, I find it astonishing, given the abuse that indigenous people have suffered via colonialism (and the wrongly applied version of Christian religion), that 65 percent of indigenous people in Canada remain Christian. This is almost twice the national average.

There are some other surprises in Charles’ thesis. He goes even so far as to be open and fair with the missionary movement—without defending their injustices. He views them as sincere but naively used for colonial purposes and agendas here in Canada by political powers. Charles also gained insight into the complexities of indigenous issues by researching and writing his thesis. The issues are massively complex—and it takes this kind of research to analyze and sort them out in order to come up with working solutions. This will be the focus of Charles’ PhD when he gets around to it.

The number one purpose of Charles’ MA thesis is to provoke a “new way of thinking” about the past, problems and issues. The significance of this thesis is precisely this: It shifts the focus from a negative past to a neutral present for a positive future. I’m sure that positive future depends on a realistic perspective on the past which will give indigenous people a positive future through government policy guided by indigenous peoples’ asserting their selfidentity and self-determinism.

The Canadian Centre for Scholarship and the Christian Faith conference for 2018 is on “Indigenous People and the Christian Faith: A New Way Forward.” I believe this is a significant conference for so many reasons. Like Charles’ thesis, and without denying nor trying to mitigate a horrific past, we are stuck unless we move “past the past.” This conference acknowledges the real past but focuses on a “new way forward”.

We welcome all people groups to come and learn and think about how we can all work towards that goal—with love, forgiveness, truth and reconciliation. The conference is an opportunity to dream big and figure out ways to make it happen!

Our keynote speaker is Dr. Cheryl Bear from the Nadleh Whut’en First Nation in British Columbia. She is a faculty associate with Regent College in Vancouver.

She and her family, in a camper, have visited more than 600 indigenous communities in both the USA and Canada. She is an award-winning musician too. She will combine her scholarly and musical insight into how indigenous people can heal from the past, act today, and have a bright future with Christian faith. She has a passion to bring the gospel to indigenous people in culturally relevant ways.

We will also have an exhibit and presentation by Inuit artist Alexander Angnaluak the Governor General of Canada’s recipient for the National Aboriginal Role Model award. He has received many other awards for his life and artwork—including the Historica Canada Indigenous Art Award for his impression of “How the Narwhal Came to Be.” The conference will also feature the artwork of many other indigenous artists. There will be lots of music and the conference will open with indigenous Christian worship.

Please register at https://goo.gl/imNeSJ. There are a limited number of clergy grants to attend free at www. ccscf.org/conference/clergy-grants/ and student grants at www.ccscf.org/conference/grant/.

Moving forward still requires a realistic acknowledgement of the past in order to deal with it and its fallout.

Rev. Dr. Bill Anderson, an LCC pastor, is director of the Canadian Centre for Scholarship and the Christian Faith at Concordia University of Edmonton where he is a Professor of Religious Studies.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

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International News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Situation for converted asylum seekers intensifies BERLIN, Germany - The situation for former Muslim asylum seekers who have converted to Christianity has dramatically deteriorated in Berlin and Brandenburg reports Rev. Dr. Gottfried Martens pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Berlin-Steglitz.

The pastor serves the Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church (SELK) congregation which has more than 1,600 church members, many of whom are refugees who converted to Christianity. He has baptized more than 1,000 former Muslims, especially Iranians and Afghans.

Martens told a Protestant news agency “several hundred” refugees from his community have already been rejected because they have become Christians. According to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) converting to Christianity is a tactic to prevent their deportation. “I see the suffering of these people who have been Christians for many years, who want to be involved in church services and work with children and then be deported” Martens said.

According to the pastor, the situation has become increasingly difficult since the summer of 2016 when the government rushed to hire

Refugees gather for communion and blessings as the Rev. Dr. Gottfried Martens leads worship at the Dreieinigkeits-Gemeinde, a Selbständige Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche (SELK) church in Berlin-Steglitz, Germany. (LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford)

many new “decision-makers” and “auditors.” In addition, the positions were separated so that decisions were made solely based on protocols. Even with the interpreters, there were problems in translation. Since many communities are affected, Martens calls on the churches “to speak with one voice against the injustice.”

“This situation calls for concerted prayer from our Canadian church members,” encouraged Rev. Timothy Teuscher, president of Lutheran

Mission society sets 2018 agenda CYBERSPACE - In its continuing commitment to international and Canadian mission and social ministry, the Board of Directors for Concordia Lutheran Mission Society (CLMS) met in December to assess the organization’s 2017 results and review the projects proposed for 2018.

“One of our 2017 goals was to work a little differently so that it might be possible to review 2018 projects before the end of 2017, and get a head start on sharing the new projects with our donors,” noted board member Lisa Jackson.

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Board members Rev. Roland Syens and Marilyn Witte worked with Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) mission executive Dr. Leonardo Neitzel to gather enough information to make informed decisions and plan the 2018 projects.

The entire board met over Skype, to minimize costs, and created a tentative budget to start planning earlier than ever before. “We hope that this early planning will help get the important information that our donors are looking for, more quickly,” noted Ms. Jackson.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

Church–Canada. “It is not the government’s responsibility to decide who is and who isn’t a Christian.”

Rev. Martens has served as pastor of the church in Berlin-Steglitz since 2013. The Trinity congregation sees itself in a special way as a mission church. Regular baptismal instruction with translation into Farsi is offered. There are also Persian Bible studies, prayer services and community outreach.

Based on a report from SELK News Service

The board also gave thanks to God for the ongoing support it receives from donors. With more than $140,000 donated in 2017, all the projects the mission society supported received funding.

The organization is planning to hold its Annual General Meeting and Mission Festival Sunday April 15 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Ontario. Ms. Jackson suggests that “if you are interested in hearing news directly from people who have visited the mission field, please join us.”

CLMS financially supports and raises the profile of LCC missions.

For more information visit www.

ConcordiaMissions.org.

National News www.canadianlutheran.ca

LCC Board of Directors begins transition work WINNIPEG - The newly-constituted Lutheran Church–Canada Board of Directors (BOD) began its work of transitioning the church body to align with the new structure adopted

by LCC’s Synodical Convention in October 2017.

Meeting in Winnipeg in late January the board elected Arnold Drung (Holy Cross, Kitchener, Ont.) as its chairman. Mr. Drung has served as board chair since 2011. Under the restructured board, Cam Pelzer (Mount Olive, Regina) was elected vice-chairman, and Grace Henderson (St. Peter’s, Leduc, Alta) will serve as secretary.

The term of office is four years.

The board appointed former LCC treasurer, Dwayne Cleave t o s e r ve a s S y n o d ’ s i n t e r i m Administrator. The Statutory Bylaws adopted by the convention call for this new position to oversee the non-ecclesiastical matters of synod such as finances and day-today operations. Once the board’s Personnel Committee has had the opportunity to develop a complete job description for the position it will refine the nature of Mr. Cleave’s appointment.

Since the October convention concluded before the completion of elections for positions on the Commission on Constitutional Matters and Structure (CCMS), Commission on Theology and C h u r c h Re l a t i o n s ( C T C R ) , Commission on Adjudication (COA), and the Reconciliation Committee (RC), the board made the following appointments: • CTCR: Rev. Joel Kuhl, Cliff Pyle, Paul Walrath, and Rev. Paul Williams. Rev. Dr. James Gimble and Rev. Dr. John Stephenson have been appointed by each seminary, and Rev. Timothy Teuscher is an advisory member.

• COA: Jeffrey Kriwetz; Dennis Woolsey; and Darcy Wershler have been appointed by the District Presidents; (Elected: Rev. Dr. Kevin Fast, Rev. Jeremy Richert)

Lutheran Church–Canada’s Board of Directors: Front row (l-r): Cindy Sholdice; Grace Henderson (secretary); Arnold Drung (chairman); President Timothy Teuscher; Kirsten Guggenmos; Deacon Suzanne Eberhard. Back Row (l-r) Vice-president Rev. Thomas Kruesel; Rev. Alex Klages; Rev. Warren Hamp; Cam Pelzer (vice-chairman). Absent: Rev. Kurt Reinhardt.

• CCMS: Deacon Jennifer Frim, Grace Henderson (BOD Secretary), and Rev. Michael Schutz. (Elected: Gary Gilmour (Lawyer), Mark Hersey, Arlene Kish, and Rev. W i l l i a m N ey ) . Rev. T i m o t hy Teuscher is an advisory member.

• RC: Rev. Rick Frey, Rev. Phil Washeim, Rev. Harold Borchardt, a n d G l o r i a Ra t h g e b e r. T w o additional members are pending.

The board also received information regarding the appointments made by LCC’s two seminaries to their Boards of Regents. As the institutions are separate corporations the Convention had no authority to elect members to their boards.

Appointed by the seminaries to serve as regents were: • Concordia Lutheran T h e o l o g i c a l S e m i n a r y, S t .

Catharines (CLTS): Rev. Dan Abraham, Ivan Boles, Bruno Korst, Rev. Robert Krestick, chairman; Rev. Cameron Schnarr, Jordan Wall; Rev. Dr. Thomas Winger, president.

• Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton (CLS): Rev. Aaron Astley; Ian Lande; Rev. Scott Lyons; Corinne Nowoczin; Rev. Daryl Solie, chairman; Gerry Steinke; Rev. Dr. James Gimbel, president;

The bylaws also provide for the BOD to appoint standing board committees for personnel, finance, governance, and missions and social ministry services. A fifth non-mandated committee for communications and technology also advises the board. All committees include members of the BOD however, the mission committee and communication committee also include members from LCC congregations with experience or expertise in the specific areas. To guide Synod during the restructuring process the BOD created a Restructuring and Transition working group.

The board approved a budget for the fiscal year 2018-19 of $2.1 million. This is the final budget of the old structure in which the national work undertaken by the Winnipeg office is largely financed from mission funds sent by congregations to the district offices. Beginning in 2019, the new structure calls for congregations to send their mission offerings to Winnipeg to fund the national and international mission and ministry of LCC. The board is scheduled to meet again by conference call April 26.

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National News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Planned gifts benefit LCC constituents WINNIPEG - Lutheran Foundation Canada (LFC) has released its annual report for 2017. The organization, which conducts gift planning activities on behalf of Lutheran ChurchCanada congregations and affiliated organizations, recorded $4.68 million in designated gifts of which $1.7 million was received throughout the year, including designated gifts to 27 congregations. “Donors have indicated a total of $55 million in designated gifts over the last nine years” reports Foundation executive director Allen Schellenberg, “of which $10 million has already been received and distributed to the donors’ named beneficiary organizations.”

He noted how “many individuals are thrilled to learn their estate provides them an opportunity to develop a gift in support of a ministry for which they have a passion, with little impact to the remainder of their estate.”

Many of the planned gifts result from estate planning seminars

delivered by the Foundation’s Gift Coordinators and hosted by LCC congregations. In 2017 the foundation gave almost 60 presentations across Canada. LFC has discovered a direct correlation between congregations hosting seminars and those who receive significant gifts from their membership. On average, 30 percent of all gifts are designated to a donor’s home congregation. “Many individuals have been helped through the process of creating wills, developing health care directives, making funeral plans, and many other necessary estate planning issues, all at no cost to the congregation or their membership” reports Schellenberg.

In anticipation of these substantial gifts, the Foundation has noted an increase in the number of congregations implementing a formalized “Gift Acceptance and Use Policy.” These documents reflect strategic planning on how a congregation will use large gifts before receiving them. Foundation

Gift Planners assist congregations in developing these plans.

Following the retirement of the East District Gift Coordinator, Al Feth, after serving faithfully for ten years, Schellenberg reports that LFC is currently searching for a new planner to fill the vacancy. “If you or someone you know has a passion for the work of the church, and enjoys travel, doing presentations, and helping people, you are encouraged to get more information on this exciting opportunity” he said.

For more information about LFC go to www.lutheranfoundation.ca.

Lutheran women to gather in Winnipeg WINNIPEG - Lutheran women from across Canada will gather in Winnipeg July 5-8, 2018 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the founding of Lutheran Women’s Missionary League—Canada (LWMLC). The Lutheran Church–Canada auxiliary organization encourages and equips Lutheran women in Lutheran Church–Canada congregations to “grow in God’s Word; share God’s Son; and serve God’s people.” Gathering around the theme “One in Spirit, One in purpose” the 10th National Convention includes activities and presentations geared toward fulfilling the organization’s mission statement.

At the Winnipeg convention 33 voting delegates will decide on a major restructuring proposal.

Under the reorganization the current four districts, which duplicated many of the national functions,

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are dissolved allowing for greater grassroots representation on a new national Board of Directors.

LWMLC president, Iris Barta, who completes her final term this year, noted that like many other organizations growing out of an LCMS/US base, LWMLC adopted a similar structure in 1993 to its St. Louis-based parent LWML. “We’ve tinkered with our governance over the years, but it was time for a serious rethink about how we can efficiently fulfil our mission as an organization,” she explained.

Beyond the business, which will also include elections of a new president and executive, keynote speaker Tara Lyn Hart, recording artist, mother, and pastor’s wife, will talk about how God’s plan was worked out in her life—including many exciting twists: teaching voice and drama, writing music, fostering

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

and adopting, moving to Australia for almost four years, and the blessing of a child with Down syndrome. Tara will also lead one of four interest sessions.

Other breakouts will address medical assistance in dying, presented

by Dr. Leah Koetting Block; a report about an LWMLC educational mission trip to Nicaragua in December 2016 from Iris Barta, Renate Bishopp, Pauline Huth, Christine Pollex and Barb Jurgens; and Rev. Assefa Aredo and Yeshi Olkeba from Winnipeg’s Oromo community will share their experiences as refugees and how they dealt with integrating into the Winnipeg and Lutheran communities.

“This is an opportunity for all LCC women to gather for encouragement and spiritual enrichment through Bible study, fellowship and informative presentations,” noted President Iris.

“You don’t have to belong to an LWMLC group to grow in your faith at our convention.”

Convention information is at www.LutheranWomen.ca.

ABC District News

Alberta and British Columbia Laura Goerz, editor

Foothills member aids in hurricane relief CALGARY - Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas area hard in late August 2017, devastating the Gulf Coastal Lowlands. Samaritan’s Purse was on the scene to provide relief efforts, recruiting volunteers from across the U.S. and Canada.

Mark Kihn was part of a 12-person team that included members from Victoria, Vancouver, Saskatoon, New Brunswick, P.E.I., and Alberta that headed to the Houston area in November.

Mark describes his experiences: “Our military-like set-up meant wake-up at 5:30 a.m. with breakfast at 6:30. After morning announcements and a short devotion, we’d pack a lunch, and then our orange-shirted hordes would scramble into vehicles for our pre-screened job sites.

Once on site, our team leader wo u l d g o t h ro u g h t h e wo r k assignments with the homeowner and crew. We’d usually begin ripping out rotten drywall, and mouldridden insulation, usually loading a handy dumpster. Sometimes we’d tear out entire bathrooms and kitchens. After cleanup, we’d then spray a mould disinfectant/ retardant onto the wooden house frame, and then the dwelling would be ready for the re-build phase.

Evenings meant a dash along Houston freeways back to our

headquarters at a Baptist Church in Pearland, Texas. After a quick shower, supper at 6:30, quiet time at 9 (temporary buildings with sleeping bags/air mattresses on the floor), it was lights-out at 10. Sleep came easily.

Our rewards were few, but lasting. Rarely have I encountered heart-felt gratitude as on this effort.

The despairing homeowners gained new hope after our work—and they expressed it. We were God’s love in action. A few had seemingly given up on cleanup, and perhaps didn’t even know where to get help, or what the next step should be. And some had no (or little) insurance to pay flood cleanup bills. That was where Samaritan’s Purse volunteers served, and the situations we encountered.

Truly it was an experience of a lifetime as we worked to fulfill the Samaritan’s Purse motto of “Helping in Jesus’ name.” I found new friends and lost seven pounds along the way. When our crew split up for home, one woman mused: ‘See you at the next disaster.’”

Mark plans to return to Houston in April 2018 for a two-week stint doing re-builds. He is thankful to bring a Christian presence to an area of great need.

Mark Kihn with Laura Goerz (photos courtesy of Teresa Huchkowsky)

Cleaning up after Hurricane Harvey

Mark Kihn (centre) doing restoration work.

Lutheran writer encourages compassion SHERWOOD PARK, Alta. - Meg Ziprick-Rieder, a psychiatric nurse and member of Bethel Lutheran Church, has published her third book entitled Fables of the DifferentlyAbled. It is a compilation of six stories, each about an animal with different challenges to overcome, such as a shark with no teeth or an owl afraid of the dark.

As a parent of four children, Meg realizes the need to educate them and others about empathizing with others and being God’s instruments of compassion. She sees the book as

a means to encourage not only compassion, but also acceptance, courage, and kindness.

The animal characters in the book are quite nonthreatening and Meg believes this makes it easier for her readers to put themselves in these characters’ shoes. To encourage dialogue about the themes the book presents, the book also includes discussion questions.

Meg’s inspiration comes from her work i n t h e p s yc h i a t r i c field, with some of the book’s stories based on clients she has dealt with as they face challenges and return to wholeness.

She is excited to be writing books that bring meaning to so many and she is already planning Fables of the Differently-Abled 2. The book is available on Amazon.ca.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

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ABC District News

Alberta and British Columbia Laura Goerz, editor

Calgary hosts annual fall youth retreat CALGARY - From November 3 to 5, 28 youth, leaders, and volunteers braved the snow and gathered at Foothills Lutheran Church for a weekend of fun and learning about how they are transformed (Romans 12:2) through faith in Christ.

Dr. James Gimbel, President of Concordia Lutheran Seminary, was the guest speaker, and seminarian Scott Brayall served as chaplain.

Dr. Gimbel’s sessions focused on pop culture and its subtle effects on people’s view of themselves and of life, and how it can trigger the evil triumvirate of the devil, the world, and their sinful nature.

Participants were reminded that as baptized children of God they have been transformed and so do not have to conform to the pattern of this world. As well as learning and worship, the youth participated in games, small group Bible studies, and put together care packages and notes of encouragement for

the Mustard Seed ministry to distribute to their guests.

A team of people helped the retreat r u n s m o o t h l y, i n c l u d i n g the planning c o m m i t t e e (Heather GrahamNavis, Trevor Heumann, Rev. Eric and Kayla Moffett (Foothills), Monica Schultz, Guest speaker Dr. James Gimbel addresses the youth and Miriam Winstanley), and brought blessings as well. many other volunteers who helped Planning for the Fall 2018 in a variety of ways, including retreat has begun. Watch www.

Christine Heumann (head chef), Erica Craven, and Rev. Scott lutheranyouthretreat.ca for more information.

Gamble (Grace, Drumheller), as Michelle Heumann, well as members of Foothills who planning committee chair helped in the kitchen. It was a smaller group than usual, but that

500th anniversary of the Reformation and farewell to two faithful pastors LACOMBE, Alta. - During the week, Trinity Lutheran Church is alive with the giggles and commotion of the young c h i l d re n a t t e n d i n g M o t h e r Goose Play School. On Sunday, October 29 it was the site of a wonderful celebration—the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, led by Pastors Harold Witte and Ken Rodeman. Rev. Rodeman led the liturgy and Rev. Witte preached the sermon, “God’s Nameless Helpers,” using Acts 9:25 as the text. Professor Wendy Markosky, Chair of the Burman University Music Department, was the organist. Vocal soloist Jessica Jacobson, accompanied

by Leah Holden on the violin and Cathie Jacobson on the piano provided special music.

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Rev. Ken Rodeman (left) and Rev. Dr. Harold Witte were honoured at a farewell celebration.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

The congregation and guests further celebrated the Reformation with a German supper. During the evening quizzes tested everyone’s knowledge of Martin Luther, the Reformation, and world events that took place at the time of the Reformation. Following s u p p e r L i n d a K ro e t s c h l e d everyone in singing familiar hymns accompanied by her guitar and Irene Mosher on the piano. The evening closed with the presentation of thank-you gifts to Rev. Harold and Marilyn Witte, and Rev. Ken and Elsie Rodeman. The pastors were winding up five years of ministry at Trinity Lutheran Church, the last two as the Intentional Interim Ministers.

ABC District News

Alberta and British Columbia Laura Goerz, editor

Reformation 500 celebration in Abbotsford ABBOTSFORD, Laverne Hautz B.C. - More than 300 ( H o p e, Po r t people—members of Coquitlam) and the congregations of the Rev. Fred Rink Vancouver and Fraser (Bethlehem, Valley Circuits—gathered Vancouver) led at Trinity Lutheran the service. A C h u rc h o n S a t u rd ay, mass choir of October 28 to celebrate some 30 voices, the 500th Anniversary of directed by the Reformation.

Charlie Metzger The afternoon and accompanied activities started at 3 Val Mossman as Katie Luther

by Mark Krueger, o’clock with a hymn sing p r o v i d e d of some of Martin Luther’s hymns, three anthems that focused on led by Charlie Metzger. At 3:30, the Reformation themes. Brenda Horton worship service began with greetings was the congregational accompanist, from John Hambley, the chairman and she and her family also led of the host congregation, and from a couple of contemporary songs.

Trinity’s former pastor (now retired) Re v. D a v i d Hilderman.

A v i d e o introduction from Rev. Matthew Harrison, president of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, led directly into the worship service.

The two circuit counselors, Rev.

Lutheran Church–Canada President Robert Bugbee preached a sermon titled “When God Acts” (based on Acts 13).

Following the celebration service, some 200 people stayed for a catered turkey dinner (complete with pie and ice cream) in Trinity’s gym. Katie Luther (Val Mossman) made a surprise visit and told the audience about what it was like to be the wife and partner of the famous reformer. ​​T he offering of more than $3,000 was divided between the Concordia Lutheran Mission Society and Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada (designated for the Kuhns in Cameroon).

Rev. Laverne Hautz

Circuit mass choir

New pastor in Abbotsford ABBOTSFORD, B.C. - On Sunday, January 7, more than 100 people and 13 pastors gathered to celebrate the ordination and installation of candidate Jakob Valsson as pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church. Rev. Valsson had served a vicarage at Trinity, and since the retirement of Rev. David Hilderman two years ago had been sharing the vacancy responsibilities with retired pastor Rev. Ray Maher. ABC District President Glenn Schaeffer conducted the ordination/installation. Circuit Counsellor Laverne Hautz led the service, and other Lower Mainland pastors read Scripture. The Trinity

congregation warmly welcomed the Valsson family (Jakob, Diane, Hannah, and Paul) with flowers and

a reception following the afternoon service.

Rev. Laverne Hautz

Pastors in attendance: (back, l-r) Revs. Ron Towriss, Mark Chiang, Karl Keller, Gerhard Wilch, Ray Maher, Wayne Lunderby, Norm Miller, Fred Rink, James Paulgaard; (front) Revs. Dave Hilderman, Laverne Hautz, Jakob Valsson, Glenn Schaeffer, Steven Harold THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

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ABC District News

Alberta and British Columbia Laura Goerz, editor

From the President

E

very year thousands of people climb a mountain in the Italian Alps passing by the Stations of the Cross to stand before an outdoor crucifix. One tourist noticed an indistinct trail that led beyond the cross. Fighting through a thicket, he discovered a shrine that symbolized the empty tomb of Jesus. The shrine was neglected and overgrown with brush. Visitors had gone so far as the cross, but stopped there.

The story of Jesus Christ as our Saviour does not stop with His death. As essential as Jesus’ crucifixion is for our salvation, we know Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is just as crucial for our salvation!

On Good Friday we hear disturbing sounds: the pounding of a hammer as spikes are embedded into our Lord’s hands and feet. We hear His agonizing cry: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

On Easter morning, we hear other sounds: sounds of life, joy, hope, and power! One of the Easter sounds we hear is that of the rumblings of a rolling stone. As the women journey to Jesus’ tomb, they realize the rock blocking the entrance to the tomb is impossible for them to move. “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” (Mark 16:2). It is a rock that scarcely twenty men can roll!

As the women scurry over the ravines and through the valleys, they may feel the shaking of the ground and hear the rumblings of an earthquake as rocks split.

Matthew tells us, “There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.”

When they arrive at Jesus’ grave, the women find the stone rolled away! Jesus’ tomb is empty. They’re perplexed. “What might have happened to the body of our Lord? Have the soldiers taken Jesus away?”

Two angels appear and ask them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you…that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.”

Retracing their steps, these women evangelists find the other disciples and they recite the news received from the angels, “Jesus is not dead! He is alive, just as He promised!”

The author of On Death and Dying, Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, writes, “Man has conquered space, he has made great technological advances, but he cannot conquer death.” Despite the billions of dollars spent on medical care, graveyards are common meeting places as we bid farewell to those we love. Death is inevitable. The grave will be our resting place.

But, listen. Do you hear the rumblings of the stone rolling away from the entrance of Jesus’ tomb? Do you hear the angel’s question, “Why do you search for living among the dead?” Do you hear the excited chatter of the women who saw the living Lord with their own eyes?

The rumblings of the rolling stone remind us: “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who fallen asleep…For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive” (1 Cor. 15:20, 22).

The rumblings of the rolling stone assure us: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” (1 Cor. 15:54-56).

The rumblings of the rolling stone promise us: Therefore, “we believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him” (1 Thess. 4:14).

Jesus’ followers are encouraged, filled with hope, comforted in their grief, and given power to overcome all life’s trials by the reality of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.

Many people refuse to believe that which they cannot understand. Stones of unbelief seal their heart.

But by the grace of God, the sound of the rumblings of the stones of unbelief being removed from unbelieving hearts can be heard everyday as the Holy Spirit brings skeptics—unbelievers—to faith in Christ through the witness of Jesus’ followers.

Such has happened to us! In our baptism or the witness of a Christian, the Lord has removed the stone of unbelief that once sealed our heart and by the grace of God, we believe! We believe that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. We believe that He will return to resurrect our lowly bodies from the dead. So, my dear friends, listen. Listen for the sound of the rumblings of the rolling stone. Death is defeated. Jesus is risen! He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!

President Glenn E. Schaeffer

Send news, photos, articles and announcements six weeks prior to publication month.

Laura Goerz, District Editor, editor@lccabc.ca

Next deadline: May 6, 2018

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

Central District News

Saskatchewan, Manitoba, NW Ontario Elaine Stanfel, editor

Lipton church celebrates 20 years LIPTON, Sask. - Living Christ Lutheran Church came into existence on January 1, 1997, through the amalgamation of two churches: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of the now Lutheran Church–Canada synod (LCC); and St. John’s Lutheran Church of the now Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC).

In March 1997 the new congregation was accepted into LCC membership, and on August 10, 1997, the new church building was dedicated.

First to shepherd Living Christ was Rev. Richard Zimmerman, who was succeeded by Rev. Barry Wood and finally Rev. Don Koch.

On November 5, 2017, Living Christ marked its 20th anniversary.

A day of celebration began with a church service at 3 p.m., where Rev. Koch preached on the Psalm 46 theme, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” This year especially, against a backdrop of 500 years since the Reformation, it was fitting to remember Martin Luther’s fondness for this psalm to mark the history of our little church with its earliest beginnings in 1907 (as Holy Trinity).

Following the service, the congregation members gathered for fellowship at the Lipton town hall,

where the local school community council catered a delicious roast beef dinner. This was followed by presentations by Rev. Howard Ulmer, congregational president Corey Senft, and Rev. Koch. Other special guests present included Rev. Lowell Dennis, Rev. and Mrs. Ted Giese, Rev. and Mrs. Todd Guggenmos, and Rev. Irwin Pudrycki.

The congregation thanks the anniversary committee (Jennifer S e n f t , S h a ro n L u t z , Ta m my Chamberlin, Werner Senft, and Arnold Bassingthwaite) for its time and dedication to this endeavour.

Anita Reisdorf

Members of Living Christ congregation.

New parish formed in northeast Saskatchewan NORTHLAND CIRCUIT, Sask. - On Sunday, December 10, Rev. Randy Fiege was installed as pastor of Good Shepherd, Hudson Bay; St. Paul’s, Melfort; Zion, Mistatim; and Zion, Nipawin — now a four-point parish. The parish stretches from Smeaton to Carrot River in the north, south to Tisdale, west of Melfort as far as Wakaw, and east to Hudson Bay. The day began with the Nipawin ladies serving an 8:30 a.m. breakfast followed by a service, then off to Mistatim for another service followed by a luncheon. Again, off to Hudson Bay with a third service followed by a Christmas turkey supper. The congregation in Melfort worships on Tuesdays.

Revs. Randy Fiege and Tom Prachar in Mistatim

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

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Central District News

Saskatchewan, Manitoba, NW Ontario Elaine Stanfel, editor

Inter-faith discussion forum focuses on Reformation WINNIPEG - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Reformation by hosting a unique inter-faith discussion forum. On Sunday, October 22, more than 90 people gathered at 7 p.m. in the parish gymnasium. A panel of area clerics: Rabbi Alan Green from Sharrey Zedech Synagogue; Rev. Paul Lampman from St. Luke’s Anglican Church; Rev. “Father Sam” Argenziano from Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church; and Rev. Bjoern Meinhardt (born and raised in Germany) from St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (NALC) each spoke for ten minutes on how the Lutheran Reformation impacted their faith communities.

Acting as host, Rev. Todd Hoeffs, pastor of Redeemer, moderated as each cleric offered key historical and cultural facts. While it was enlightening hearing how Luther impacted Jews, Anglicans and Roman Catholics (especially Father Sam, who brought much humour and

shared history), it was equally fascinating to hear from Pastor Meinhardt who had been steeped in Lutheranism from within Luther’s own land.

Opportunities for questions and answers followed w i t h c o l l e g i a l Forum speakers interaction among the presenters.

Further discussion continued around a wine and cheese social, including home-baked shortbread and gingersnap cookies, hosted by Redeemer members. The hosts were delighted to see so many people from outside the Christian community attend, as well as numerous members of each faith group, sharing ideas, beliefs and common ground.

A commemorative booklet featuring a photo and brief biography

of each presenter was made available to each attendee in addition to further materials about the Lutheran faith.

The hope is to continue the Reformation discussion in the future.

Rev. Hoeffs remains active in the monthly River Heights inter-faith ministerial luncheons with these clerics as well as members from other area churches. This provides a direct tie into the community and an avenue for witnessing the hope we have as Lutheran Christians.

Rev. Todd Hoeffs

Ponderings from the president I know that my Redeemer lives! ne of my favourite Easter hymns is a simple, easy-to-sing hymn that has been like a dear, old friend who visits often during the Church calendar, but especially at Easter. The hymn begins and ends with the phrase: “I know that my Redeemer lives” (LSB 461). It is based on Job’s words, “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another” (Job 19:25-27). The words of the hymn give the singer comfort and hope in Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, as well the assurance of His ascension into heaven: “He lives triumphant from the grave; He lives eternally to save; He lives all glorious in the sky; He lives exalted there on high.”

More than that, each line exudes the confidence that because Christ has been raised from the dead those who believe in Him enjoy a similar hope. The author, Samuel Medley, firmly bases that confidence on the phrase, “He lives,” which is used 29 times.

O

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

Of course, this hymn is not reserved for the Easter season. It speaks of our Lord who lives “to help in time of need.” Jesus is our advocate before the Father, bringing our prayers to Him: “He lives to plead for me above.” Jesus is there to look after our physical needs, guiding and comforting us during our earthly pilgrimage, to the point where He becomes our “kind, wise, heav’nly friend.”

And when we gather at the grave of a loved one, or contemplate our own departure from this life, we can take great comfort and assurance from these words of the hymn: “He lives to silence all my fears; He lives to wipe away my tears; He lives to calm my troubled heart; He lives all blessings to impart…He lives and grants me daily breath; He lives, and I shall conquer death; He lives my mansion to prepare; He lives to bring me safely there.”

If you are facing doubts or uncertainties in life, may the confidence expressed in this hymn give you true joy and hope! For what more can be said: “He lives, all glory to His name! He lives, my Jesus, still the same; Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives: I know that my Redeemer lives!”

Rev. Thomas Prachar

Central District News

Saskatchewan, Manitoba, NW Ontario Elaine Stanfel, editor

Church bell returned to renovated tower WINKLER, Man. - For Prayer, and again at close of the first time in more than service. For funerals, the bell 60 years, the people of is sounded for every year of Winkler didn’t hear the the person’s life. clear ringing of a church The bell tower still uses bell. While renovations a manual rope system, caused the absence of a and Rev. Klages notes the Sunday morning bell tolling bell ringer’s strength is at Trinity Evangelical pushed to the limit when Lutheran Church, it remembering a long life. provided a rare opportunity “It’s not a trivial thing to inspect the 122-year-old ringing that bell,” he says. piece of Winkler’s history.

The inscription on the “This is literally bell reads simply, “Glory Valentine Winkler’s bell... to God in the Highest,” this is Winkler history,” with marks indicating it Pastor Alex Klages says. was made by the Meneely Valentine Winkler, the Bell Company of Troy, New community’s namesake, York. Rev. Klages says the originally donated the bell bell has become a part of in 1896 to a church in the congregation’s identity.

Morden as there wasn’t The church bell was hoisted back into place after some renovations “People love the sound of a proper bell tower in to its tower. the bell.”

W i n k l e r a t t h e t i m e.

While the bell tower connection between Winkler and Trinity Evangelical Lutheran needed to be reinforced, he notes Morden runs deeper than the church Church in Winkler acquired the fundraising for the approximately bell, as Rev. Klages pastors both the bell in 1957 from the closing United $15,000 repairs went quickly.

Winkler church and Zion Lutheran Church in Morden.

“We’re not the largest church in Church in Morden.

Church records indicate the Winkler, but when there is a need Since its dedication on September Winkler congregation and leadership the people here are more than 1, 1957, the peel of Valentine’s bell had been interested in buying a generous,” he says.

From a report by Steven Sukkau, has sounded every Sunday morning: church bell and were prepared to PembinaValleyOnline.com half an hour before service begins, at spend up to $150 at the time. (with permission) the start of service, during the Lord’s In an interesting twist, the

Coveted chili cookoff trophy lands at Epiphany THUNDER BAY, Ont. - The 4th annual Chili Cookoff in support of Aurora Lutheran Bible Camp was once again a roaring success! This year’s competition took place January 31 at Christ Lutheran Church. The trophy is making its home at Epiphany Lutheran for the year, courtesy of Chris Mikkelson’s stellar pot of chili! Organizers thanked all in the community who always step up to support this ministry.

Local church representatives (l-r): Izaak Wendorff (Calvary), Helen Tulin (Lappe), Rev. Brian Falkenholt (Christ), Chris Mikkelson (Epiphany), Judy Armstrong (Redeemer) and Vivien Haberern (Trinity). Actors perform “Martin Luther Brings Hope to Lappe.”

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

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Central District News

Saskatchewan, Manitoba, NW Ontario Elaine Stanfel, editor

Youth meet for Higher Things retreat REGINA - Mount Olive Lutheran Church hosted its second Higher Things Youth Retreat, February 2223. Some 40 participants, pastors, chaperones, and helpers from Middle Lake, Warman, Saskatoon, Fort Qu’Appelle, and the Regina area gathered to hear guest presenter Rev. William Cwirla from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Hacienda Heights, California talk about the landscape of science and faith in the 21st century.

The retreat was bookended by Divine Service Setting II with Holy Communion, and included Matins and Compline. Participants also enjoyed board games, archery, a lot of great food, and breakout seasons on the topic of navigating social media and watching dystopiathemed films.

Beautiful Savior bids farewell to Bugbees

Rev. William Cwirla speaks to the group

Rev. Ted Giese

Small-town congregation attracts “international” interest

Rev. Dr. Robert and Gail Bugbee

WINNIPEG - Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church held a farewell luncheon for Rev. Robert and Gail Bugbee following the morning service on January 7. President Bugbee had accepted a call to Beautiful Savior, serving in the areas of preaching and teaching when his presidential duties allowed.

Visit the Central District website at www.lcccentral.ca

Send news, photos, articles and announcements six weeks prior to publication month.

Elaine Stanfel, district editor, 509 Airport Road, Pembroke, ON K8A6W7 613-687-6620 elaine.stanfel@gmail.com CUPAR, Sask. - Chairman Kelly Findling (left) and Rev. Lowell Dennis (right) of St. Paul Lutheran Church stand with newly-confirmed member Silvia Virgilio on November 27. Silvia is originally from Argentina and has lived in Australia and, most recently, New Zealand. She is now making Cupar home.

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

Next deadline May 6, 2018

East District News

Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia Ilene Fortin, editor

Choir from Concordia University, Ann Arbor, tours Ontario ONTARIO - T h e c h o i r f ro m C o n c o r d i a U n i v e r s i t y, A n n Arbor made five stops at Ontario congregations in March. Reflecting the university’s 2017-18 Spiritual Life theme “Making all things new,” the choir tour was titled, “In the beginning.” The Concordia

Choir, with guest artist, mezzosoprano Kristin Clark, presented Aaron Copland’s expansive “In the beginning,” recounting the Creation from the book of Genesis. Also on the program were powerful selections by Stephen Paulus, John Taverner, J.S. Bach, Knut Nystedt and Johannes

Brahms which explored the life of Jesus, who through His death and resurrection “makes all things new” for us each day.

The Ontario tour included concerts at Peace, Tillsonburg; St. Luke, Ottawa; Pilgrim, Hamilton; Bethel, Kitchener; and First, Kingsville.

Choir from Concordia, Ann Arbor performs at Bethel Lutheran Church in Kitchener

Clifford celebrates 2017 anniversaries CLIFFORD, Ont. - In the narthex of St. John’s Lutheran Church, informative and colourful displays highlighted the anniversaries of both the Reformation and the Lutheran Laymen’s League, on Sundays from October 22 to November 19.

Prior to each morning service, LLL Ambassador Wayne Dean briefly spoke to the congregation about the history and work of the International

LLL and the Lutheran Hour, mentioning the 100th anniversary of the International LLL and the 50th anniversary of LLL-Canada. He also spoke about the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and was available to answer questions and generate interest among visitors at the display.

Bookmarks, pens, Martin Luther

booklets, and information on LLL resources were free for the taking, and there were, of course, refreshments.

Donations for The Lutheran Hour were received. It was a nice way to accent a number of anniversaries during the Reformation season.

Wayne Dean, LLL Ambassador

Checking out the displays THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

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East District News

Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia Ilene Fortin, editor

From the president

Our Easter joy!

“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)

A

number of years ago my father-in-law wove together a crown of thorns that I attached to a cross which was placed in the chancel of our church during the season of Lent. That cross was formed from the trunks of two Christmas trees which had stood on each side of the altar during the Christmas season. In subsequent years, I had my father-in-law fashion a second crown of thorns to be placed on a Lenten wreath that also was used during the Lenten season in our church’s worship services. The Lenten wreath consisted of five purple candles, along with a Christ Candle placed in the centre of the wreath.

During each of the five weeks of Lent one of the purple candles was extinguished (as opposed to the Advent wreath, in which an additional candle was lit during the four weeks of Advent). The Christ Candle was extinguished during the Good Friday worship service and then re-lit during the Easter Sunday sunrise service. The crown of thorns that was attached to the Lenten cross, which remained in the chancel on Easter Sunday morning, was transformed into a crown of beauty by a variety of spring flowers placed into it for the celebration of our Lord’s Resurrection.

The practice of using a Lenten wreath came about from an article I read describing how to transform an Advent wreath into a Lenten wreath. And the placing of flowers in the crown of thorns, I believe, originated from the fact that flowers often became synonymous with an individual showing their love, devotion, and commitment to another. What better way has our Lord Jesus bestowed upon us His love, devotion, and commitment than by suffering and dying on the cross in our place to take away all our sins.

Have you heard the story (and it is just a story—a legend, if you will) of the old monk who was supposed to have found the crown of thorns which

had been placed on the head of Jesus? He took the ugly-looking crown into a chapel one night and placed it upon the altar. Very early the next morning, when he went to the place to pray, the sun was streaming down in all its glory upon that simple, rough-hewn altar. There he noticed that the crown of thorns had lost its ugliness. Miraculously the thorns had been transformed into beautiful roses blooming in all their glory in the sunshine of a new day.

During different and unsettling times in our lives, the distant horizon may seem to have become darkened. However, with the dawning of another day the sun appears more majestic than ever before.

God has made us no idle promises. Jesus meant what He said, when He gave us the assurance, “I am the resurrection, and the life.” He sounded the trumpet of victory which keeps echoing through all time when He proclaimed His victory over sin, death and the devil.

He lived and died and lived again to prove to us that He is the way of salvation and the fulfillment of God the Father’s faithful promises.

Our heavenly Father’s plan was not just a code of right and wrong. It is not just a blind happiness that blots out the reality of life. Through what Christ has done for us, God has given to us the power to win, and the strength to conquer—yes, to conquer even death.

We live each day with our Lord Jesus, confidently being assured that tomorrow will be greater still. By faith in Jesus as our Lord and Saviour from sin, we know that one day we shall hear our Lord God say, “You have fought a good fight. You have kept the faith. This crown of righteousness is yours.” God’s truth and love live on forever.

Chief of sinners though I be, Jesus shed His blood for me.

Died that I might live on high, Lives that I might never die.

As the branch is to the vine, I am His and He is mine.

(LSB #611) Rev. Paul Zabel

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East District News

Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia Ilene Fortin, editor

Hanover celebrates Reformation 500 HANOVER, Ont. - Reformation 500 marked a significant historical event and the celebrations were as varied as the countries, communities, and churches hosting them. First St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church chose to celebrate the anniversary by inviting the community into their church to enjoy three Tuesday evening organ concerts in October, featuring organ music from prominent Lutheran composers of the past 500 years. The concerts were very well attended with 58 people at the final recital.

Organists for this series included First St. Matthew’s organist, D way n e H a c h m a n ; C a n a d i a n super-star organist, Christopher Dawes; and Concordia University Chicago alumnus, Randy Mills.

Christopher Dawes is numbered among Canada’s leading church musicians, concert organists, and choral accompanists, and is a freelance musician and consultant.

Randy Mills is Chapel Organist at Trinity College School in Port Hope, Ontario and past organist at Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains in Peterborough. He received his music education at Concordia University Chicago.

A freewill offering supported a local hospice and Concordia University in Chicago.

(l-r) Christopher Dawes and Dwayne Hachman

One hundredth birthday celebrated

Dwayne Hachman

Upcoming Events & Deadlines East District Convention: October 14-17 in London, Ont. Delegate registration forms were sent to congregations the week of March 19 East District Pastors’ & Deacons’ Conference May 14-16 at Camp Pioneer, Angola, NY Registration deadline: April 30

KINCARDINE, Ont. - Paul Miskew, a member of Grace Lutheran Church, celebrated his 100th birthday with his congregation following Sunday service on February11. Some former members returned to Kincardine to join the festivities which included a special potluck in his honour. Paul still lives in his own house, is regularly in church on Sundays, and donated all the stained-glass windows at Grace. He received congratulatory citations from provincial and national leaders and even a congratulatory certificate from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Rev. Robert Clifford THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

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East District News

Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia Ilene Fortin, editor

East District convention planning underway LONDON, Ont. - Planning for the 11th regular Lutheran Church– Canada, East District Convention is underway. The Double Tree Hotel, 300 King St., London will host the event October 14 to 17. Over the upcoming months, congregations will receive information about nominations, delegate selections, etc.

D r. G a r y Z i e r o t h i s t h e convention’s keynote speaker.

Dr. Zieroth joined the Concordia Theological Seminary (CTSFW), Fort Wayne faculty in 2016. He serves as assistant professor of pastoral ministry and missions, dean

Dr. Gary Zieroth, essayist for 2018 East District Convention

Stormy day greets new shepherd in Windsor WINDSOR, Ont. - Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee was installed as pastor of First Lutheran Church on Sunday, February 4. Church members along with family and friends braved a snow storm to attend the special afternoon service and dinner to welcome Pastor and Mrs. Bugbee.

Many who planned to attend were unable to due to the size and severity of the snow storm.

At Rev. Bugbee’s invitation, Rev. Dr. Wilhelm Torgerson served as preacher for the service, Revs. Pollex, Krestick, and Hetzel, served as lectors, and Rev. Stresman, First’s

vacancy pastor, served as liturgist. In District President Zabel’s absence, Rev. Stresman also officiated over the Rite of Installation.

The members of First Lutheran Church give thanks to God for directing Rev. Bugbee to accept the Divine Call as the congregations seventh pastor. May the Lord grant him a long and fruitful ministry in Windsor.

Rev. Glenn Stresman

A copy of the bulletin for the Installation Service with biographical notes is available at www.firstlutheranchurch.ca.

of students, and director of vicarage and internship. He will address the convention theme, “Jesus, the Rock forever.”

Dr. Zieroth earned his DMin (2006) and MDiv (1990) from CTSFW after graduating from Concordia University, Ann Arbor, in 1986 with a BA in psychology.

He served as an adjunct professor for CTSFW (2008-16) leading courses regarding what the Bible teaches about marriage, families and catechesis. He also serves as an adjunct professor for Concordia University, Nebraska, and Concordia University, Portland. Dr. Zieroth was a visiting professor for the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshawne, South Africa and has been a regular guest on Issues, etc. and KFUO radio programs.

Dr. Zieroth spent 26 years in the pastoral ministry, serving congregations in Fort McMurray and St. Albert, Alberta; Kingsville, Maryland; and Chaska, Minnesota.

In recent years, he has served as the interim director, then director (2014-16) for The Lutheran Church– Missouri Synod’s Post-Seminary Applied Learning and Support (PALS) program.

He and his wife, JoAnn, have been married 34 years and have four children.

Visit the East District website at www.lcceastdistrict.ca

(front, l-r) Revs. Marvin Bublitz, Don Schieman, Robert Bugbee, Tim Schneider, Jason Kouri, Bradford Scott; (middle) Revs. Warren Hamp, Fritz Schmitt, Paul Pollex, Glenn Stresman, Robert Krestick; (back) Revs. Wilhelm Torgerson, Thomas Winger, James Leistico, Kirk Radford, Jordan Simon, Robert Voelker, Jonathan Sachs, Jack Hetzel, Dusan Tillinger; Absent from photo: Rev. Charles Schulz. Photo courtesy of Sooters Photography.

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

Send news, photos, articles and announcements six weeks prior to publication month.

Ilene Fortin, district editor East District Office 275 Lawrence Avenue, Kitchener, Ontario N2M 1Y3 E-mail: ilene@lcceast.ca Fax: 519-578-3369

Next deadline: May 6, 2018

Mission Update www.canadianlutheran.ca

Seminar and retreat for Central American deaconesses

ILSN Deaconesses with seminar leader Deaconess Olga Groh (sixth from right).

CHINANDEGA, Nicaragua The fourth deaconess seminar/ retreat focusing on Deaconesses and Life Together (Vida Diaconal en Comunidad: Adorando, Trabajando, Estudiando, Alimentándonos, Orando y Escuchando Juntas) took place from January 15 to 19, 2018 at Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) Mission Centre gathering 30-plus deaconesses and instructors of the faith from Lutheran Church Synod of Nicaragua’s (ILSN) congregations

and missions in Nicaragua and Honduras.

Especially designed to strengthen the spiritual life of the ILSN’s sisters, the series of Vida en Comunidad week-long seminars is part of LCC’s continuing education program in Nicaragua and Central America missions.

The seminar/retreat’s format gives multiple opportunities each day and throughout the week for the participants to come together in prayer, singing, serving one another, studying together, sharing the meals and resting times, while providing the space and occasion for worshipping together using the Eucharistic liturgies and Daily Prayer Offices.

Thematic workshops, Bible studies and different dynamics seek to embrace and make alive what living as the community of God’s grace means.

T h e eve n t s b u i l d and strengthen the participants in their personal and communal life of worship and in their diaconal service to their children and families, and to their congregations and communities.

The intensive and intentional nature

ILSN Deaconesses work with hundreds of children every day.

of these retreats also include time for service activities and for fun.

Every year, there has been an opportunity to work on a special project: embroidering a baptismal napkin, learning how to take care of the altar and liturgical elements, lead devotionals and liturgical prayers, forming an ILSN deaconess choir, etc. These events provide a tremendous opportunity to help build up the sisters’ sense of vocation and sisterhood as deaconesses of the church and, given the occasion’s numerous worship services, help them learn the new Spanish-language hymnal’s liturgies as well as new hymnody and psalmody.

Under the supervision of LCC’s Committee for Mission and Social Ministry Services and in conjunction with Rev. Dr David Somers, and Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel, Deaconess Olga Preisz Groh, a member of Christ Risen Lutheran Church in Kanata, Ont. has led these seminar/retreats since their start in 2014.

Report by Deaconess Olga Preisz Groh

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Mission Update www.canadianlutheran.ca

After serving as Lutheran Church–Canada’s Assistant to the President for Mission and Social Ministry Services since 2009, Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel reflects on the state of God’s mission in LCC and his service.

Giving thanks in all circumstances

by Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel

T

hroughout his epistles the Apostle Paul does not tire in giving thanks to God even under persecution, imprisonment, unnumbered hardships, trials, and health problems. The Holy Spirit nurtured in him a positive outlook of the Kingdom’s work, and he encourages us with the same attitude today: “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Th 5:18). Paul can say this based on his own life experience and ministry that was a mixture of joys and challenges. At one time he was “chained” in spiritual blindness, bearing its marks, under the devil as his master. From the day Jesus called him, changing his life on the road to Damascus, he was free, bearing Christ’s marks as his new Master – marks of his personal salvation. As a result, he bears physical marks for the salvation of many – scars imprinted by hardship and persecution (see 1 Cor. 4:913; Gal 6:17). Speaking about his credentials as an apostle, he concludes: “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Cor 9:22).

Historically, in one or another way, prophets, apostles, evangelists and messengers of Christ’s Good News go through similar experiences – a mix of great joy amid hardships. Jesus says: “In this world you will have trouble.

But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). With this perspective, and on the verge of retirement, I share some of my experiences serving as Lutheran Church–Canada’s Assistant to the President for Missions and Social Ministry Services since 2009.

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Dr. Neitzel with a Bible study group in Costa Rica

Joys witnessed and experienced There are so many blessings to report, but here are some highlights.

• countless numbers of children, youth, and adults reached by the Gospel, baptized, and incorporated into Christ’s church; • hundreds of poor children, orphans, and youth cared for materially and spiritually by LCC through its Children’s Education Programs in Central America; • so many generous supporters who give to support LCC’s missions and human care ministry; • working with compassionate, understanding, and forgiving people, especially when we’ve failed in administration matters; • teams and individuals across Canada who plan, work hard, and save money to serve our brothers and sisters in Christ overseas and become excited for being part of God’s mission; • emerging army of young pastors and deaconesses serving in LCC’s international missions; • emerging ethnic leadership in the LCC and around the world;

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• pastors and congregations investing time and effort in planning and focusing on the essential raison d’être of the church—reaching out to their communities with the love of Christ; • LCC’s missions never lacking funding for its missionaries, missions and social projects; • working with an amazing team of faithful volunteers: LCC’s Committee on Missions and Social Ministry Services, Concordia L u t h e r a n M i s s i o n S o c i e t y, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League–Canada, individuals and congregations, theological teachers and professors, Rev. Dr. Ralph Mayan in Central American matters, Rev. Dr. Leonard Harms in Southeast Asia and Rev. Dr. Norman Threinen in Ukraine and so many others; • resilient church leaders holding on to God’s grace in difficult times such as war in Ukraine, conflict in Cambodia, political unrest, earthquakes in Central America, and other natural disasters.

Mission Update www.canadianlutheran.ca

Regrets As we serve the Lord we become aware of our own weaknesses but also His strength!

• limitations in the ability to produce more for the Lord’s mission as planned. Mission will always require much encouragement, hard work, and determination. It will always be an unfinished task till Jesus returns; • not perfectly completing the job and falling short in many areas.

Despite our intentions, we are not perfect but as Luther says: “We are beggars, this is what we are.”

• not being able to do more to address personal and shared frustrations regarding complacency and a lack of commitment to God’s missions given the harvest at hand and the rich potential of human and material resources available in LCC. Weaknesses and challenges • difficulty in keeping up-to-date with all the developments in the mission field and sharing the news of God’s activities; • long time taken or required for indigenous churches to move towards self-supporting churches.

Milestones • preparation, formation, consecration and placement of church workers. The number of pastors and deaconesses has more than doubled in Central America; • establishment of missions and congregations in Costa Rica and Honduras; • preparation and formation of pastors for the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU); • SELCU pastors studying in Canada at LCC seminaries; • re-establishment of a Lutheran church body in Cambodia—the Cambodia Lutheran Church (CLC); • formation of four ethnic pastors and one site-specific pastor through LCC’s Pastors with Alternate Training program (PAT) and seven more set to complete their studies in the near future.

• ongoing project sponsorship by CLMS, LWMLC, congregations and individuals by God’s grace.

• keep focused on the harvest field, on the consummation of time, anticipating the unending victorious joy of Revelation 7 – the vision of great multitudes from all peoples, nations, and languages standing in white robes joining the Bridegroom triumphantly for all eternity; • pray for steadfastness and endurance of Christ’s church in

Eyes on the future—by God’s grace We thank God for what He has done in LCC’s mission fields at home and overseas. As He leads us there are still so many open doors and opportunities • expand LCC’s alliance with international Confessional Lutheran churches and missions in outreach and Gospel proclamation to all nations; • keep the vision and focus of pastors, congregations, organizations, seminaries, and individuals proactive f o r t h e s a ke o f Christ’s mission in Canada and abroad.

• encourage our At Living Waters Lutheran church in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine, c l e r g y t o w o r k Dr. Neitzel preaches as LCC missionary, Rev. Oleksiy Navrotskyy collegially, mentoring translates. each other, embracing new pastors, midst of persecution and hardship – ethnic and immigrant workers in the giving thanks in all circumstances; same Spirit who nurtured Elijah and • give thanks for continued Elisha in mutual nurturing countless blessings from sowing of • encourage men and heads of God’s Word under His promises: households to take their stand as “So is my word that goes out from Christ’s servants, joining the women my mouth: It will not return to me as faith incubators, nurturing the empty, but will accomplish what I family in God’s Word and witnessing desire and achieve the purpose for to Christ in families and communities. which I sent it” (Isa 55:11-13).

• guided by the Holy Spirit, study and

By God’s grace, LCC’s mission understand the changing landscape of work, although imperfect and facing our society and the world in terms challenges, has continued with the of morality and ethics, helping us help of an army of faithful assistants— understand how to reach out with the His people. I thank and praise our Gospel, especially to the churched, preLord for the opportunity to serve in churched, post-churched, millennials, this capacity knowing it is He alone wanderers, and new Canadians; who works in us what pleases Him • under LCC’s new structure, for His purpose. Whatever we do in achieve a threefold purpose: growth God’s mission should be ultimately of our involvement in front-line done in gratitude for Christ’s love – to mission outreach; salvation and wellthe glory of His name, for the wellbeing of all peoples, and the glory of being and salvation of people, and the Christ and His kingdom; expansion of His kingdom.

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An oasis of peace for neighbours in need A first-hand report on the work of Canadian Lutheran World Relief in Jordan’s largest refugee camp

by Ted Giese

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n the Western world we imbue the word oasis with a For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those kind of romanticism, however in the Middle East an from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to oasis is more pragmatic. In a parched desert landscape you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same it saves lives and provides valuable food, shelter, and amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, replenishment. For Syrian refugees fleeing from their warexpecting nothing in return, and your reward will be torn country into neighbouring Jordan there is a valuable great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is oasis in the sprawling Za’atari Refugee Camp called kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as “Peace Oasis.” Opened in 2013, it is a safe area within your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:32–36). the camp for young people aged 14 to 30 and is, in part, In 2011 when protests in Syria, initially inspired by funded and supported by the Arab Spring revolutions Canadian Lutheran World sweeping the Arab world Relief (CLWR). of North Africa, quickly Earlier this year, as became a civil war, CLWR part of a Global Encounter sought ways to respond to tour sponsored by CLWR, I the needs of Syrians fleeing visited the Za’atari Refugee their war-torn homeland.

Camp in Jordan near the In cooperation with the Syrian border, one of five C a n a d i a n g ove r n m e n t , such camps in Jordan with C LW R provided a current population of opportunities for Syrians around 80,000 men, women, to immigrate to Canada and and children. aided refugees who had fled Active in emergency across the Syrian border into relief, development and the Hashemite Kingdom refugee resettlement, CLWR Art plays an important part in the Peace Oasis program. o f J o rd a n . S i n c e m o s t is an agency of Lutheran Christian Syrian refugees Church–Canada (LCC) and the Evangelical Lutheran fled to Lebanon with its 40 percent Christian population, Church in Canada (ELCIC). Through this long-standing Za’atari is almost exclusively populated by Muslims which partnership, beginning in 1946 to help support the means CLWR’s work in Za’atari’s Peace Oasis compound physical and resettlement needs of refugees following is directed toward Muslims in need of support.

WWII, its work focuses primarily on international social Za’atari is essentially a small city with hospitals, police ministry and not on Word and Sacrament Ministry or stations, emergency services, and mosques. Divided into missionary endeavours. districts which function like neighbourhoods it even The heart of CLWR’s work is rooted in the Second has a market that stretches the length of a long avenue Table of the Law (Commandments 4-10) in which God’s playfully named the Champs-Élysée by staff from United law calls Christians to love and care for our neighbours Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in need regardless of their religion, race or affiliations. It who drew parallels to the bustle of Paris’ famous street. also finds its source in the words of Jesus when He calls The nickname caught on because the word “Champs” all people to be impartial in their mercy, “If you love in French sounds a lot like the Arabic word for Syrian. those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even Among the 3000 refugee-run businesses are butcher sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to shops and barber shops, places to buy wedding dresses those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? and almost anything you might need. These thriving

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Peace-building activities include sports.

small businesses focus on providing some kind of economic security and normalcy to Za’atari’s population.

Most of the refugees here come from rural and farming backgrounds and they hope to return to their land and resume their agricultural way of life when the war in Syrian ends.

The camp, which began as a tent city, has moved out of the emergency phase into a development phase. Families now live in metal structures and enjoy access to 10 hours of electricity a day produced by solar power which the UNHCR hopes to extend to 12 hours. The whole endeavour is a delicate balance. On one hand there is the desire to provide robust infrastructures which ensure a reasonable quality of life, while on the other hand the infrastructure is not intended to be long-term; Za’atari is to remain a camp and not become a permanent city.

Located in District 5 the Peace Oasis complex, run by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), provides psychosocial support to youth and adults aged 14-30 as well as practical vocational training. Peace Oasis staff facilitate the programs assisted by in-camp volunteers. Since 2015 CLWR has provided $65,000 to help run this important program.

The focus of the Oasis is peace-building through music and arts workshops, sports, and through vocational training like sewing and food preparation/catering. The psycho-social support helps young people dealing with trauma to talk about their experiences and produce art that helps them work through some of the aggravated byproducts of trauma that affect their lives. As an example, arranged marriages are very common especially for girls and in times of insecurity parents face the temptation to arrange these marriages at younger and younger ages. Participating in drama, games, group role-playing, conflict management workshops and visual art help stem and mitigate issues like early marriage, child labour, and sexual, physical, and domestic abuse. The Oasis also offers a safe location to play soccer and provides facilities for

the popular non-violent Brazilian martial arts/dance form called Capoeira. These activities are another effective way of reducing tension and the negative coping strategies associated with psycho-social and physical trauma.

Many find life in Za’atari boring and as the Syrian conflict continues Peace Oasis and other similar initiatives offer engaging and meaningful opportunities for youth to develop negotiating and peacemaking skills while actively confronting their refugee experiences. Simply having somewhere youth-friendly to hang out can be a great help; a place where young people can build friendships amid their displacement is both practical and necessary.

While visiting Peace Oasis it was a privilege to taste food prepared by youth developing their catering skills. It was also wonderful to see kids playing soccer with the same joy and energy you might see other kids exude in less troubled regions of the world. One young boy who saw my Canadian flag pin asked if I was from Canada. When I said yes, he beamed with a giant smile.

The early stages of CLWR’s involvement with Syrian refugees in Za’atari focused on hygiene kits, shoes, and sweaters—practical support. As the camp continues moving into a development phase the heart of the work shifts towards helping Za’atari’s refugees prepare for the future when they are replenished, equipped, and able to return home. Hopefully the displaced young people and children who have participated in Peace Oasis activities will return to Syria with traumas that have received healing or, with the help and support of CLWR, have been addressed and talked about in a positive and helpful manner.

The heart of the work accomplished by CLWR, like the Peace Oasis, is rooted in an active response to the grace of God revealed to the world in Christ Jesus, “We have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in Him.” “We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:16, 19) When confronted by news of international tragedies Christians are often left thinking things like, “What assistance would I appreciate if I suddenly lost my house, my property, my goods, my honour or even worse a child or spouse.” … “If all I had in the world was my faith and what I could carry with me, and those huddled around me, what, in love, would I readily and happily accept from the hand of another, even a complete stranger, as an act of grace and mercy in my time of need?” Responding to these questions Canadian Christians of Lutheran heritage send their support both in goods and in financial donations to CLWR which helps implement projects like Peace Oasis in the Za’atari Refugee Camp.

It is a great show of love for the neighbour to provide this kind of meaningful presence in a time of such dire need—a Peace Oasis for those escaping the desolation and violence of war.

Rev. Ted Giese is lead pastor at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada and a board member of Canadian Lutheran World Relief representing Lutheran Church–Canada.

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Education Report www.canadianlutheran.ca

LCC seminary Regents hold joint meeting EDMONTON - Regents from both Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) seminaries, Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS), St. Catharines and Concordia Lutheran Seminary (CLS), Edmonton, met for their annual joint meeting January 30, 2018 in Edmonton as outlined in their 2011 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

During the joint sessions each seminary shared details about enrolment trends and projections, budget, and financing, as well as highlights of the mission they share training pastors, deacons, and leaders of LCC. Topics of discussion included the impact of the restructuring on each seminary’s Bylaws and Policies, since revisions will be required at both institutions. The regents also discussed shared coursework, the Director of Parish Services (DPS) training at CLS, and the Pastors with Alternative Training (PAT) program’s administrative work done at CLTS. Major discussion involved the projections of future needs for new pastors and deacons in LCC and how the seminaries can respond with the best program. CLS has three pastoral candidates and one deacon

graduating on May 24; CLTS has one vicar and CLS five vicars currently in the field hoping to graduate in 2019.

This academic year CLTS has one vicar and CLS has five vicars in the queue for May assignments.

Both seminaries anticipate an average number of new students to begin studies in the fall. CLTS reported seven students in the lay-oriented Master of Theological Studies (MTS), the highest ever. In the face of pastoral needs for LCC, the seminaries expect to graduate 15 MDiv students by May 2020.

The seminary leadership pointed out that the institutions can only prepare future pastors and deacons which the church sends to them and urged every member of an LCC congregation to look for and encourage young men and women to pursue church work vocations.

As part of an ongoing program assessment process, session participants completed a Strength/ Weaknesses/Opportunities/Threats analysis of the state of theological education in LCC and identified some of key issues needing to be addressed.

Meeting with the individual boards, LCC President Rev. Timothy Teuscher asked CLTS to take responsibility for the administration of the PAT program and, in light of the ongoing CLS request for the Council of Presidents and LCC Board of Directors to approve the CLS Director of Parish Services certificate approach, he pledged to explore the expectations and needs for deacons in the church and consider the most expedient way for deacons to complete training. It is understood that students in both programs may receive teaching or supervision from either place.

There is anticipation in both institutions of the new MOU coming in the next year that will articulate the relationship between LCC and the seminaries. The memorandum is mandated in the restructuring of LCC approved by delegates at the 2017 LCC Convention in Kitchener.

Reformation history series continues EDMONTON - A Spring Quest course from Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton (CLS) taught

by Dr. John Maxfield will continue tracing the development of the Reformation. Beginning Wednesday, April 11, the four-week course picks up the timeline after Luther’s dramatic confrontation with the emperor at the Diet of Worms in 1521.

The evening sessions at the seminary or online will trace the developments of Luther’s Reformation, first from exile, then as he takes up leadership of the reform movement in Wittenberg, and finally to the challenges of shaping the reform of Christendom in the face of ecclesiastical and political opposition

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as well as alternative reform visions among evangelical reformers. These developments during the 1520s led to the public defense of the Lutheran Reformation before the emperor at the 1530 Diet of Augsburg through the Augsburg Confession.

Dr. John A. Maxfield is an ordained pastor of Lutheran Church– Canada and serves as Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Concordia University of Edmonton.

He teaches History of Christianity, Theology, and European History, specializing and publishing in the areas of the German Reformation and Luther studies.

The Quest classes are scheduled for April 11, 18, 25, and May 2 from 7–9 pm (MDT). CLS will webcast

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Professor John Maxfield teaches the Quest course at Edmonton seminary and online.

the free course so that individuals and groups may participate online.

For more information or to register to attend in-person or online please contact Kathy Budgell at CLS. Email: kbudgell@concordiasem. ab.ca. Phone: 780-474-1468 x 225.

Education Report www.canadianlutheran.ca

The Role of the Hymnal in Worship

An interview with Rev. Dr. Thomas Winger about his book Lutheranism 101: Worship A s a m u s i c i a n , p a s t o r, and liturgy committee member for Lutheran Service Book, Rev. Dr. Thomas Winger has a unique and informed perspective on how music functions in the liturgy.

Concordia Publishing House Music blog “Prelude to Postlude” recently interviewed him to learn about his new book, Lutheranism 101: Worship, and to hear his perspective on incorporating the hymnal into worship and daily prayer.

Tell us about yourself and where you currently serve.

I am married to Sara; we have two grown children. My wife and I met through studying music together in university. She is currently a piano teacher. My family is mostly in southern Ontario, Canada, but I was born and raised in England, where my father served as a Lutheran pastor. I served a German-English parish in Canada before moving back to England to teach at Westfield House. Since 2006, I’ve been a professor at Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catharines, Ontario.

I also serve as seminary president.

I teach mainly New Testament and liturgics.

What sparked your interest in learning more about the structure and form of worship in the Church?

I suppose it came firstly from just being an active Christian worshipper; an inquisitive mind wants to understand what’s going on! But it also came from being a musician. As a choir member and organist, I got involved with the nuts and bolts of the liturgy. And then, it was at the heart of being a pastor.

Leading the weekly services is where you have the greatest contact with your flock. It’s important to make the best use of that time. I also served on the liturgy committee of the Lutheran Service Book project, so I had to do my homework.

In chapter four of Lutheranism 1 0 1 : Wo r s h i p , yo u t a l k a b o u t the story of the Divine Service, beginning with the Early Church and continuing t o t o d ay. W hy is it important that the Church has continued to support and preserve this order of service t h ro u g h o u t t h e centuries?

We live in an age that can be kind of arrogant about its own achievements.

It’s particularly true in North America that old things are viewed as inferior and obsolete. But as Christians, we know that our greatest treasures are some very old things, particularly the Holy Scriptures themselves. We can never do better than to hold onto the words of Jesus and His apostles and the gifts He gave to the Church.

The historic liturgy is part of that treasure. It’s an inheritance from our wise forefathers in the faith. It grows more precious with age. And, as the references in LSB demonstrate, it’s 99 percent Scripture. We preserve the historic liturgy because the treasures of Christ are so well preserved and delivered in it: His Word, His Sacrament, His prayer, woven into a beautiful balance of gift and response. And then, standing on the shoulders of our fathers, we dare to add just a little bit and make it our own today, so it’s never a completely static artifact.

When talking about hymns and hymn selection, you point out that “the music of liturgy and hymns in LSB is in a distinct

churchly form suited to an experience that is not of this world” (p. 140). Can you unpack that statement? How do you think congregations can use this distinct form as opportunities to teach worshippers about the Church’s role in the world?

There’s a common, mistaken idea that the old music of the Lutheran liturgy is simply classical music and that we need to update it to the music of our time. Now, it’s true that in past centuries the church was so dominant in Western society that the music of the church looked a lot like the music of society. But that’s (mostly) because the church influenced the world, not the other way around. If we’re constantly chasing after music that will be liked by our target audience in the world, we’ll probably fail, because everyone has their own tastes. The church’s music shouldn’t be borrowed from contemporary culture because the continued on next page

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Worship continued church isn’t of this world. The church has a culture of its own. And music can be a very powerful agent in helping worshippers experience what’s really going on in the liturgy, that we stand before the very throne of God by the intercession of Jesus Christ, who is truly present with us.

And so the music of the liturgy can help draw us into heaven itself—not that we can know what the music of heaven is like, but we can at least use forms of music that don’t pull our minds back into the world.

The book also gives some recommendations and insights into using daily prayer services at home. Do you have any tips for pastors and church musicians as they seek to support laypeople who want to get into the routine of using the hymnal at home?

Unfortunately, we’re in an age where the use of books is becoming less familiar to people. It may help to start by keeping it simple. CPH offers laminated cards of the daily prayer services from the hymnal.

These can be used around the dinner table with a Bible for readings and psalms. This is a much easier way to start than trying to use Matins or Vespers in their entirety. Laypeople can have difficulty using the daily lectionary from the hymnal, so it can help if the church uses the bulletin to provide readings week by week.

I think the key is to emphasize the very simple outline of daily prayer: psalm, hymn, reading, prayer.

Disciplines will stick if they’re not too ambitious. Hopefully this can be the first step toward using more resources from the hymnal itself.

Teaching members to use these resources for home devotions should be a part of premarital counselling and home visitation. It’s a great job for elders to take on, and it gives them a template for their visiting.

Sunday School can be a place to teach kids hymns that they’ll want to sing at home, and confirmation class can be the place to show them how to use the hymnal in more depth. My parish practice was to place confirmation

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class into the context of Vespers (with the lesson at the point of the sermon), even if we just did it in a classroom.

What’s one key takeaway you hope people will have after they read Lutheranism 101: Worship?

I think “real presence” is the insight I hope readers will take away from this study. I don’t just mean that they would believe more firmly that Christ’s body and blood are present in the Lord’s Supper. I hope they can move beyond the common notion that worship is something we offer up to a distant God who is up on His throne in heaven. Rather, our God is among us in the holy space that is created by preaching His Word and giving out His holy sacramental gifts.

If we understand that Jesus Christ is truly present to teach us, forgive us, and carry our prayer and praise to

the Father’s throne, I think we will approach the Divine Service with much greater reverence, awe, joy, and thankfulness.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Ongoing catechesis is so important to the Christian life. Many thanks to CPH and Scot Kinnaman for offering this wonderful series on basic teachings of the Christian faith from a Lutheran perspective. I hope this book will be a resource to Bible classes and individual readers, drawing them more deeply into the wonderful and mysterious gifts of God in the liturgy.

Blog post © 2018 Concordia Publishing House. Reproduced with permission. All rights reserved. See “Prelude to Postlude” at http://music.cph.org/blog for more information.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018 cl3202.indd 4

4/12/2017 12:01:47 AM

In Review: 12 Rules for Life

Hammers and Nails:

12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson

by Michael Schutz

W

hen you’re a hammer, everything is a nail, and Dr. Jordan Peterson is a hammer. He’s become known for smashing through our culture’s penchant for “politically correct” ways of speaking, acting, and even thinking. The University of Toronto professor has risen to prominence over the past year-and-a-half by being plainly and earnestly outspoken with his opinions. His message, spread primarily (and quickly!) through YouTube, has resonated with many, especially those who have a more socially conservative worldview.

Dr. Peterson might be most wellknown for his stand against the possibility of government compelling people to use particular forms of speech, specifically in the case of gender pronouns. His YouTube videos have extended his voice beyond his U of T classrooms into the whole world. And his influence is now reaching beyond even his own efforts; Lindsay Shepherd, a teaching assistant at Wilfrid Laurier University, was recently censured by her supervisors for playing a clip from an interview with Dr. Peterson in her class.

With all this in mind I was most interested to read Dr. Peterson’s new book, 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos. While it sits on the Self-Help shelves at the bookstore, it might not be fair to characterize it so glibly.

The book is an attempt to help people think deeply about how they act and what they say, and how those things work towards either the detriment or betterment of society. The book’s central premise is that chaos is something that needs to be overcome by moving towards order, and there are 12 simply-put (but not-so simplylived) rules that will help people move from chaos to order in their own lives and in society. As such, it engages the topic of improvement with a much deeper foundation than does a more stereotypical self-help book.

What is that deeper foundation? In lectures, interviews, and this book, Dr. Peterson freely and frequently draws upon the Bible. He sees much of our Western civilization as built upon the Bible and its principles. For him, this is a good thing, and he makes reference throughout his book to various passages and principles from the Scriptures.

Which brings us to the problem of being a hammer: everything is a nail. Dr. Peterson is a clinical psychologist, and to him the Bible is but one more tool in the toolbox of

clinical psychology. While he freely quotes the Bible, it doesn’t stand apart in any way from classic authors such as Goethe, Dostoyevsky, and T.S. Eliot, from famous psychologists and psychiatrists such as Jung, Nietzsche, and Freud, or even from other religious texts such as the Tao te Ching. For Dr. Peterson, the Bible exists alongside all other resources as simply one more that helps explain the human experience. He views it as a worthwhile resource, to be sure, but he doesn’t see it as the revealed Word of God; for him it is a humanly-developed case study of the entire human experience throughout evolutionary history.

Maybe it shouldn’t be surprising that a clinical psychologist views the Bible this way, but, seeing that so many conservative Christians are attracted to what Dr. Peterson says, it is worthy of a cautionary note.

A Christian will need to read 12 Rules for Life carefully.

That would be true of anyone, because it’s a carefully thought out and carefully written book that deserves a thoughtful and careful read. And it is very much worth reading. But if read by someone without a solid theological foundation formed by the Scriptures as the revealed Word of God, it could also be a dangerous book. Space doesn’t permit us to go into detail about this danger here, so let’s use one example as an archetype (which, by the way, is one of Dr. Peterson’s favourite words and his primary description of Christ).

One of Dr. Peterson’s rules is “pursue what is meaningful (not what is expedient).” As general life advice goes, this is an excellent rule. What’s not excellent is how the Bible is used to expound it. In the chapter dedicated continued on next page

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Hammer and Nails continued to this rule, Dr. Peterson uses the story of Adam and Eve to tell us that self-consciousness (the knowledge of Good and Evil) is what brings suffering into the world, because once we’re self-conscious enough to produce bad feelings in ourselves, we inevitably turn that awareness towards producing them in others.

This is contrary to God’s Word in a number of ways, not the least of which is that rebellion against God’s perfect will is the source of suffering in the world, not the simple fact of man’s self-awareness.

While there is much to be commended in Peterson’s book, and in his wider collection of content, Christians need to be wary of his approach to the Bible, which is actually more Gnostic and Gospelreductionistic than Christian. But we can also see it as an opportunity.

It’s an opportunity to be “Berean” in our approach (Acts 17:10–12) and compare the things we hear in culture to the revealed Word of God. It’s an opportunity to be reminded that we don’t live according to a set of rules, but in light of the Gospel. And it’s an opportunity to use the culture around us to point people to the true God revealed in Scripture: the One who gave His only Son for us, not as an archetype, but as a Saviour.

Read recent movie reviews

Reward yourself by planning ahead!

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by Rev. Ted Giese

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Remember Lutheran Church–Canada in your will. www.lutheranfoundation.ca

Rev. Michael Schutz is pastor at Concordia Lutheran Church & School in Penticton, B.C., and writes at TheResonant.org

ADVERTISE HERE! The Canadian Lutheran sells advertising space to help offset the cost of printing and shipping the magazine to congregations and subscribers.

To purchase classified space, or to receive a rate card for other advertising opportunities with The Canadian Lutheran, please email admin@lutheranchurch.ca or call 1-800-588-4226.

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

Gift Coordinator Needed Are you passionate about mission and ministry?

Do you enjoy helping people?

We wish Al Feth God’s blessings in his retirement, and thank him for his 10 years of faithful service.

His leaving means the Foundation requires a new Gift Coordinator to work throughout the East District.

If you, or someone you know, might be interested in this full-time employment opportunity, go to www.lutheranfoundation.ca to get further details.

Applicant must be a member of Lutheran Church–Canada.

Transitions

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Rev. Jeffrey Dul, Trinity Lutheran Church, Churchbridge, Sask. to Bethany Lutheran Church, Fort Saskatchewan, Alta. and Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Bruderheim, Alta.

CAMP KOINONIA ON LAKE ISLE in central Alberta may just be the perfect location for your family reunion, wedding, retreat or VBS! Our heated Pavilion is available throughout the year for use by the week, the weekend, or the day. Campsites adjacent to the Pavilion and closer to the lake may be rented as well. Members of a Lutheran church are invited to consider joining our unique lake community by taking out a renewable license to use one of our lake lots. An affordable and familyoriented Christian camp that features playgrounds, a spor ts cour t, and outdoor chapel, and Sunday worship throughout the camp season, we may be just what you’ve been looking for.

For more information, please visit www. lakeislelutherancamp.com or contact us today at 780-727-2477 or LCA.Camp@ outlook.com.

Rev. Gregory Palmer, Holy Cross Lutheran Church,Saskatoon, Sask. to Immanuel Lutheran Church (LCMS ) , Tonawanda, N.Y.

Classified Canadian Study Tour Lutheran Parish Nurses International (LPNI), a network of Lutheran Parish Nurses, is having a Canadian Study Tour September 13-20, 2018. If you are a Parish Nurse, doing pastoral care or a Registered Nurse interested in parish nursing, you are invited to join parish nurses from North America and abroad, for a time of networking, fellowship and learning while touring part of the Canadian Prairies.

For more information contact Judy Hertlein at j.hertlein@sasktel.net.

To learn more about LPNI, visit the website at www.lpni.org.

Saint James Lutheran Church in Winnipeg will celebrate their 50th Anniversary on Sunday, June 3, 2018.

We welcome all former and current members, guests and friends to the Church Service at 3:30 pm followed by a reception and banquet with a guest speaker at Breezy Bend Country Club at 5:30 (ticket required).

Contact Saint James Lutheran 871 Cavalier Drive Winnipeg MB R3Y 1C7 204 837 8268 or sjchurch@mts.net www.saintjameslutheran.ca

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Please contact the Principal, John Lok at jlok@hopelcs.ca , phone 604-9425322, or visit our website: www. hopelcs. ca (see Employment tab) for more information.

Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement by The Canadian Lutheran or Lutheran Church–Canada of advertiser, products or services.

“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.” Psalm 34:8

A message from

Street Chaplain – Thunder Bay After 10 years in this special ministry, our current Street Chaplain is retiring. Big shoes to fill. Are you up to it? Ministering to marginalized people, many that are indigenous, sharing the Gospel through actions and words, and enabling Lutherans to go beyond the walls of their church is what this is all about.

Visit www.lccctbay.org to learn more about the Lutheran Community Care Centre’s Street Reach Ministries and how to apply.

Risen Christ Lutheran Church in Mississauga will celebrate their 50th Anniversary on Sunday, June 10, 2018.

We welcome all former and current members, guests and friends to the Church Service at 3:00 pm, followed by a BBQ and fellowship at Risen Christ Church (no ticket is required).

Please contact: Risen Christ Lutheran Church 4090 Dixie Road Mississauga, ON L4W 1M4 905-625-5117 or RisenChristLutheranChurch@outlook. com For Rent: Foothills Lutheran Student Residence, 3102 34 Ave NW Calgary.

The residence is a COED 4-bedroom house, on church site in Brentwood and a five- minute walk to the U of C. Rental rate is $500 monthly. Rate includes utilities, local telephone, laundry, high speed internet access, basic digital cable, private bedroom, shared common areas (large kitchen, living room with fireplace). Common areas are furnished but students to furnish private bedroom.

Preference will be given to Lutheran students. Letter of reference from Pastor required. For more information and to apply contact Foothills Lutheran Church, 403-280-1342 or of fice@ foothillslutheran.com

Great is the glory of the Lord!

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

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Presidential Perspective

On the first day of the week President Timothy Teuscher “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, Jesus came and stood among them” (John 20:19). So we read in St. John’s Gospel concerning the first Easter—the appointed Gospel read every year on the Second Sunday of Easter whether from the three-year lectionary series used in most of our congregations or the old one-year series. And for good reason; after all, this familiar account is, in a sense, the first Divine Service of the New Testament church—one repeated on every Lord’s Day for the past 2,000 years or so, and that takes place in our congregations, not only once a year whenever Easter rolls around, but on every ‘Little Easter,’— every Sunday.

Just as on the evening of that first day of the week Jesus’ disciples were together, so it is that the Lord’s people, you and I, still gather in the Lord’s House on the Lord’s Day—the first day of the week, Sunday, the day of our Lord’s resurrection.

When the disciples were together in the upper room that first Easter evening, the risen Lord appeared to them. He still appears to us today when we are gathered on the Lord’s Day. Remember what He promised?

“For where two or three have been gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).

When Thomas sees the risen Lord a week later, his doubts are removed, he believes, and then exclaims in that great confession of faith, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28). We, too, upon seeing the risen Lord in the Sacrament and mirrored in His holy

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Word, cannot but also exclaim and confess the same thing in the words of the Creed: “I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.”

When Jesus appeared to His disciples that first Easter evening, the first words He spoke to them were “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). The risen Lord still speaks those same words to us when we are gathered together on the Lord’s Day: “The peace of God, which

On every Lord’s Day Jesus still comes and stands among us... passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” . . . “The peace of the Lord be with you always.” . . . “Depart in peace.” . . . “The Lord look upon you with favour and give you peace.”

In the upper room on Easter evening the risen Lord said to the disciples, “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld” (John 20:23). On the Lord’s Day we also hear and receive this apostolic commission from His called and ordained servants: “In the mercy of Almighty God, Jesus was given to die for us, and for His sake God forgives us all our sins.” . . . “I forgive you all your sins.”

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2018

On that first Easter evening Jesus showed His disciples His hands and His side, and they “were overjoyed when they saw the Lord” (John 20:20). We too see the risen Lord’s hands and side on the Lord’s Day: His very body and blood in the bread and wine of the Holy Sacrament and then exclaim joyfully upon partaking of it: “Lord, now You let Your servant go in peace; Your word has been fulfilled. My own eyes have seen the salvation which You have prepared in the sight of every people” (cf Luke 2:29-32).

So, on every Lord’s Day since that first Easter Day, Sunday after Sunday, year after year, decade after decade, century after century, it is most certainly true that on the first day of the week, when the disciples are together, Jesus still comes and stands among us, shows us His hands and side, speaks His Word of peace to us, and bestows upon us His forgiveness and joy. That is, of course, if we are actually among those gathered together in the Lord’s House on the Lord’s Day around the Lord’s Word!

Otherwise, to use the words of St. Paul from his great resurrection chapter in 1 Corinthians, “your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (1 Cor. 15:17).

The hymn writer sums it up in these words: “This day, God’s people meeting, His Holy Scripture hear; His living presence greeting, Through bread and wine made near.

We journey on, believing, Renewed with heav’nly might, From grace more grace receiving, On this blest day of light” (LSB 906 v3).

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Plan. Make a difference, for your loved ones and the ministries you value.

Knowing God has provided all our worldly possessions, have you considered giving a gift from your lifetime worldly blessings for the future work of the church? Consider the ministries you value: your home congregation, domestic or international missions, seminary education, media ministry, or social ministry.

Ask a Gift Coordinator from Lutheran Foundation Canada to assist you in developing a planned gift within your estate, taking appropriate care of family while still leaving a signiďƒžcant gift for the ministries you value.

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Plan today for the ministry of tomorrow.

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